My Chelsea family, 

I remember the day I found out Chelsea were interested in me. All the emotions going through my body and the excitement that was created in me: I was about to live my dream and sign for one of the best clubs in the world.  

Then came the day of my move from Sweden to England. I was about to move away from my family that I hold so close to my heart. All of a sudden, everything felt more like a nightmare than the dream I’d had since I was a little girl. 

I started doubting if football was for me. Was it worth it?  

With tears in my eyes and anxiety that screamed inside my body, I hugged my family goodbye and jumped on board the plane that was about to take me to my new family. My Chelsea family.  

I was greeted in the best possible way on my arrival and was surprised people in and around the club knew my name and who I was. My gut feeling was clear: I had joined a winning club that had top professionals, on and off the pitch, in every position. This environment felt like it was made for me. I fell in love.  

A few days into my Chelsea chapter I got my own chant from the supporters. ‘Oh Muso when you save like that…’ went the Shakira-inspired song written for me. It gave me a good, well-needed laugh and I clicked with the English sense of humour and, most importantly, with the supporters. You made me feel welcome from the first moment and this is something I will have with me for the rest of my life and always cherish.   

I have many great memories from my almost-five years here at Chelsea. Winning five consecutive WSL titles, working with amazing people and players, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the women’s game. This club has it all. The winning mentality is built in the walls. I am sure the ones coming into this environment will keep pushing that. 

My own individual highlights are the moments where the challenge was so big and tough, but I still found a way to succeed. Where I struggled so hard but still kept going because my gut feeling said it was possible. But never would it have been possible to reach those highs without the relationships created around me. With the support and love from people. That is what can make us go all the way, the togetherness.  

I have grown immensely in this environment as a goalkeeper and a person. It is safe to say these years have maybe been the ones with the most impact on my personal growth, and it is all thanks to the people around me. The players. The staff. The supporters. And everyone in between. 

As most of you already know, I am growing another human inside of me. It is a chapter I am ready to embrace thanks to you all. Another challenge I am ready to face.  

With tears in my eyes while writing this letter, I am letting you know it is time for me to try my wings somewhere else than at Chelsea.  

But with a lot of love, gratitude and pride, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done for me, for making me feel welcome, and for making it feel worth leaving my family behind during these years. 

There is not a single thing I would have changed if I could go back in time.  

Thank you for being my Chelsea family. I am sure our paths will cross again in many different ways.  

Love,  

Z