Well done Millie.

Today is the 10th anniversary of Millie signing for the club. A wonderful player.

https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/millie-bright-on-10-years-with-chelsea-this-is-the-place-to-be

On the eve of our UEFA Champions League group encounter with FC Twente at Stamford Bridge, captain Millie Bright celebrated her 10th anniversary since signing for Chelsea. Here she reflects on her decade at the club...

It has been a remarkable 10 years for our skipper, who joined head coach Sonia Bompastor in the pre-match press conference ahead of our penultimate Group B match.

Since her move to the Blues, the defender has been synonymous with the success the club has achieved. Seven Women's Super League titles, five FA Cups, two League Cups, a WSL Spring Series and a Community Shield later, Bright has been a part of every major honour in our history.

'I remember it like it was yesterday,' our captain said when asked if she recalls the day she joined the club. 'Even coming down to visit with my family, it was a big move at the time.

'I've always said I think I kind of shocked the footballing world and everyone thought what the hell are Chelsea doing signing me, so it's quite funny at the time seeing those headlines. It's been an incredible journey.

 

 

Captain Millie Bright joined our head coach for the press conference

 

'I said when I signed for the club that I would stay for 10 years. I knew straight away it was the place for me to be. Every season, I felt challenged in so many different ways. Every season has been so different from the one before which keeps it exciting.

'Ultimately, it's a family environment. I have really felt looked after and valued. I've played with some of the best players in the world, so it's not been a bad 10 years!'

The Champions League is the only trophy missing from the illustrious list of titles Bright has won with Chelsea. Ahead of our next European game against the Dutch champions, she was asked about being part of the team to reach our first-ever final in 2020/21 and her desire to win the competition with the Blues.

Bompastor's side currently sit at the top of Group B having won each of our four matches this season and qualified for the quarter-finals with two games to spare in the previous round of fixtures.

 

 

The skipper continues to make a real impact at the Blues

 

'I don't have any regrets though,' our captain said on the 2020/21 final where we lost 4-0 to Barcelona. 'I learned so much from that experience and not every player gets to say they have played in a Champions League final.

'I never take any games or medals for granted, even if they're not the colour I want them to be. In football, the biggest thing I've learned is that every final and every game is a learning experience to put you in good stead to move forward. Without those experiences, we might not have gone on to achieve what we have since then.

'But, 100 per cent, everyone knows it's the trophy that we're after and we have been for so long. Nothing changes in our mindset. That's the ultimate goal.'

Our captain has featured on the European stage for many seasons during her time at the club, including that maiden final in Gothenburg against the Spanish giants. And, while that ended in disappointment, it still remains one of her Champions League highlights.

'I've said the final when I've been asked this question before because, like I said, I don't take any moments for granted,' Bright said. 'In football, you never know what's around the corner.

 

 

Our first Champions League final was an incredible experience for Bright despite the result

 

'To be able to play in that Champions League final is a standout memory because next time round hopefully we can change the outcome. I just appreciate the joys of football and having that experience was incredible.

'Scoring against PSG away was nice and helping chip in with the goals, but every [Champions League] game is special because it's a campaign that we don't take lightly. Not everyone gets to play in it, so for us to be dominant and constantly competing is an achievement in itself.'

On 10/12/2024 at 08:53, Boyne said:

Today is the 10th anniversary of Millie signing for the club. A wonderful player.

Great player, great shirt!

Massive game at the top of the WSL. Arsenal currently sit second, seven points behind us so beating them would all but end their title hopes. Tickets are still on sale: -

Buy Women's Tickets | Tickets | Official Site | Chelsea Football Club 

Is it any wonder that football players know that your average football fan is a to$$er in sheep's clothing.

I don't have words 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, WhiteWall said:

Is it any wonder that football players know that your average football fan is a to$$er in sheep's clothing.

I don't have words 

 

 

 

Well said Millie especially after you and the others spent time signing shirts etc. Some fans are never satisfied and would be the first to complain if someone said something derogatory to them. 

Hopefully the person who made the comment reads Millie's accounts and feels ashamed of themselves and is humble enough to apologise.

I won't be able to go to Wednesday's game but will at Kingsmeadow on Sunday so will speak to others about what happened at Villa Park.

1 hour ago, Boyne said:

Well said Millie especially after you and the others spent time signing shirts etc. Some fans are never satisfied and would be the first to complain if someone said something derogatory to them. 

Hopefully the person who made the comment reads Millie's accounts and feels ashamed of themselves and is humble enough to apologise.

I won't be able to go to Wednesday's game but will at Kingsmeadow on Sunday so will speak to others about what happened at Villa Park.

Its inexcusable on so many levels, but the fact that there is absolutely no foundation to these types of comments is even more staggering. Talk about entitled, jeez.

One of the finest servants the club has had, across genders, playing for the most successful club side in English women's football. I am embarrassed that there is such ignorance out there.

24 minutes ago, WhiteWall said:

Its inexcusable on so many levels, but the fact that there is absolutely no foundation to these types of comments is even more staggering. Talk about entitled, jeez.

One of the finest servants the club has had, across genders, playing for the most successful club side in English women's football. I am embarrassed that there is such ignorance out there.

Agree. Completely inexcusable and without foundation. Even if Millie had had a poor game which she didn't still no excuse for the abuse she received. You're right, one of the finest servants the club has had. Bleeds blue. Often and rightly described as the female John Terry. Can't think of a higher compliment to pay her.

On this day TEN years ago, Millie Bright made her Chelsea debut. 💙

Started a podcast with Rachel Daly. The thought of a serious football podcast sounds like hell for me but some of you lot might enjoy it!

Are you slowly giving up on football generally, Munk?

8 hours ago, Mod said:

Are you slowly giving up on football generally, Munk?

Yea and no. Couldn’t give a f**k about the men’s game anymore but the women’s game at the moment is still ok. I’m sure the powers at the top of the club will ruin that sooner rather than later though.

Bright withdraws from England Euros selection - https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cr7z1g08d73o

A special day for a special player 🫶

Millie Bright announces international retirement

Chelsea captain Millie Bright has announced her retirement from international football with England.

The Blues skipper played a crucial role in England's victory at the Women's European Championship in 2022, starting in all six matches as the Lionesses triumphed on home soil.

The experienced defender also captained her country during England's run to the Women's World Cup final in 2023 in the absence of Leah Williamson.

Bright made her international debut in September 2016, replacing Karen Carney as a last-minute substitute in a 2-0 win over Belgium. Soon becoming an integral part of the England set-up, Bright was selected for Euro 2017 and was the only England player to start every match in that tournament.

The 32-year-old earned 88 caps for her country during a storied international career, scoring six goals.

Millie leading England out as captain during the Women's World Cup final

Reflecting on her England career, Bright said: 'The reality of the last decade wearing the Three Lions has surpassed even my wildest dreams. It's been beyond special for me and I wish it could last forever. However, in football all good things must come to an end and with that I have decided to retire from international football.

'For me personally, it's a decision I have taken to ensure I can commit fully to my club football and give Chelsea everything they need from me. I always want to leave places in a better place than you found it so what better time to step aside and let the next generation of Lionesses come through after what they achieved this summer. I know they will go on to achieve even greater things in the years to come and I'll be their biggest fan.

'To all my team-mates, coaches, staff, friends, family and of course the fans, thank you. Your belief and support have meant the world to me and is something I’ll forever cherish.'

Big loss to the lionesses but big gains for Chelsea.