Keira Walsh is a Blue! Chelsea complete sensational signing of Lionesses midfielder ahead of January deadline - as ex-Man City star opens up on 'struggles' at Barcelona

After being linked with a move to the Blues, the Women's Super League leaders announced the arrival of Walsh on a four-and-a-half-year deal. The 27-year-old said it was "unbelievable" to join the west London team, while explaining why moving on from Barca was the right call.

She told Chelsea's website: "It’s unbelievable. I’m very happy to be here and very excited to get started. You look at the history of the trophies Chelsea have won and I’m an ambitious player and person, so for me, it is a good fit. Speaking to Paul Green, Sonia [Bompastor] and Camille [Abily], I just got such a good feeling from them. It has been really positive. I want to play for this club and fight for the badge."

Walsh added: "It was a massive motivator. I’ll be honest, I didn’t realise how difficult it would be to be away from my family and friends when I went abroad. It was such a quick transfer that I didn’t have time to process how I would be on my own. Sometimes, it was actually really difficult and I did struggle away from the pitch sometimes. This season was a bit easier because Ellie Roebuck came in and me and her have been such good friends for a long time. It’s no secret that I wanted to come and wanted to play closer to my friends and family. Just having my family back in the stands, it’s something I’ve just wanted for a long time. When I spoke to Chelsea, I knew that I wanted to come here."

England international Walsh had two-and-a-half years at Barcelona, winning a whopping eight trophies in that period. But being away from her friends and family took its toll and now she has moved to another top team in Europe.

Walsh's new Chelsea side return to WSL action on Sunday away to Aston Villa as they seek to extend their lead at the top of the division.