Esme Morgan speaks out on decision to join Washington Spirit after completing transfer to NWSL side from Man City

In late May, Morgan parted company with City after seven years at the Women's Super League side. Following weeks of speculation, the 23-year-old has penned a four-year deal with the Washington outfit - and now she says the opportunity to join them was just too good to turn down.

She told the club's website: "I wanted to join the Spirit because they have the ambition and tools to be the best team in the NWSL, and trying to achieve that will be a great but enjoyable challenge. On an individual level too, the opportunity to work under Jonatan [Giráldez], one of the world’s best coaches, is really exciting and I look forward to learning from him and pushing myself to become the best player I can be, hopefully helping the team to success."

The time may have been right for the England international to move on from City after playing just 11 WSL games this season. Now she is off on a new adventure for a side third in the NWSL. This move could do wonders for her club and international career.

Washington are next in action on Saturday night at home to San Diego Wave, followed by a trip to Gotham FC on June 23. However, former Everton loanee Morgan is not eligible to play for the American outfit until July 15.