via Goal

The England international has been with the Blues for five years in her second stint with the club. Telford first signed for Chelsea in 2011 before joining Notts County in 2014. She then returned to London in 2017, racking up a total of 76 appearances overall.

During her time with Chelsea, Telford has been crowned a champion of England four times, won both the FA Cup and Continental Cup twice, as well as securing the Community Shield once.

Telford has been an essential figure within the Chelsea camp both on and off the pitch and has enjoyed noteworthy spells between the sticks. This was perhaps most apparent during her stellar season of 2018-19, in which she earned 10 clean sheets in 14 appearances.

Although Telford’s role with the Blues has somewhat changed in recent times, with her taking up a part-time coaching as part of her contract, supporting Chelsea’s under-16 and under-18’s, her bounty of experience and irreplaceable presence has remained an integral feature of the senior side. During this period, Chelsea have gone on to reach the final of the Champions League for the first time and obtain the domestic quadruple.

Internationally, Telford has been called up numerous times for the national side and has made 27 appearances for her country. Telford’s performances on the world stage have been no less impressive than those domestically. After patiently plugging away waiting to stamp her mark in a major competition, Telford confidently stepped up in the semi-final of the 2019 World Cup and asserted a standout performance at the 2020 SheBelieves tournament in the States. Most recently, Telford was a part of the Team GB squad that competed in the Olympic games last year.

Chelsea boss Emma Hayes commented, “Carly has been a fantastic servant to the club across two different spells. A big character in the dressing room and a hugely valued member of our squad.”

“We didn’t want to lose her, but we could not hold her back from taking this fantastic opportunity in the States. We wish Carly well in this next chapter of her career and she knows she’ll always be welcome back here any time.”

Telford will now link up with former England teammate and ex-Manchester United manager Casey Stoney, joining Stoney’s new club, NWSL side San Diego Wave.