'Simply couldn't turn it down' - Emma Hayes explains decision to leave Chelsea and take up 'dream' job as USWNT boss

The legendary manager received a dream farewell as Chelsea thrashed Manchester United 6-0 away from home on Saturday to clinch the Women's Super League 2023/24 title, pipping Manchester City on goal difference. Hayes left Stamford Bridge after more than a decade having won 16 titles with the Blues.

In her first interview since taking charge of the United States women's national team, the former Chelsea manager revealed why she decided to end her association with the English side and take up the role of managing the 2019 World Cup winners.

Speaking to the USWNT media channel, the 47-year-old said, "I am sure everybody can understand when you have been associated with a club for almost 12 years. A club built from the bottom up, become a family, become so much of my own identity. Without question, it pulled my heartstrings because I care so much for the players and everybody that I have built a relationship with. But I am all about challenge and we won a lot at Chelsea, I am very proud of that.

"And I am proud of the fact that I could leave that club in a better place, the one that I hope continues to compete. But for me, the challenge of competing for World Cups, for Olympics, and the dream of coaching a team that I have always wanted to get the opportunity to do, simply couldn't turn it down."

Hayes's first match in charge of her new team will be against South Korea as the USWNT play them twice on June 1 and June 4 in back-to-back international friendlies.