'That's what excites me' - Fran Kirby explains decision to move to Brighton following emotional Chelsea exit

After nine years with Chelsea, Kirby bid an emotional farewell to the London club and signed a three-year contract with fellow WSL side Brighton. The 31-year-old says she was convinced to join the Seagulls because of the club's ambition to fight for silverware.

"I want to help the club achieve things, get further up the table, try and push as hard as we can and try to be involved in the trophy shouts." Kirby told the club's media channel. "So, for me, coming to a club it's because I can see the vision and I can see that it's building into something and that's what excites me."

Kirby joins Brighton off the back of her fifth consecutive WSL title success with Chelsea. Kirby started nine of the 21 matches in which she featured as manager Emma Hayes bowed out with another league crown before leaving to take over the United States women's national team.

After finishing ninth in the table last season, Kirby will need to provide a huge lift to Brighton if they are to challenge her former team and the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal to the WSL title in the coming years.