Manchester City forward Chloe Kelly has released an emotional statement in an attempt to exit the club before the WSL transfer window shuts at 11pm on Thursday.
The England forward, who has started only one WSL game for City this season, says her situation is negatively impacting her mental wellbeing, adding it is “not right” as she wants “to be happy again”.
Sky Sports News understands Manchester City are open to letting Kelly leave before the transfer window closes and an offer, deemed acceptable by the club, has been made for the player to consider.
There are reports Manchester United are interested in a loan deal for the 27-year-old, whose City contract expires in June.
Kelly was England’s hero at Euro 2022 as she scored the winning goal against Germany in the final at Wembley to fire the Lionesses to their first major honour.
But with her game time limited at City this season, Kelly wants to ensure she is part of Sarina Wiegman’s Euro 2025 squad as England look to defend their title this summer in Switzerland.
Kelly posted on Instagram saying: “A message from me. For a long time, I’ve tried to work through professional challenges privately, not commenting publicly, but with my situation increasingly being debated in the public domain, I feel it’s time to be open and transparent, and you heard it from my perspective.
“A key lesson I have learned in my life is that, while I can’t control someone’s negative behaviour towards me, I can control how long I am prepared to tolerate it.
“From day one, I’ve felt so much love from my team-mates and the fans. With my contract expiring in June, I’ve accepted my future is not at this club beyond then.”
Kelly added: “With the Euros fast approaching, this summer is a huge one and I want to be in a position to give it my best shot to represent my country. Something which has always filled me with such pride and it is a true honour to do so.
“However, to be dictated whom I can and can’t join with only four months left of the football season is having a huge impact on not only my career but my mental wellbeing. The situation has dragged on for too long, it’s disappointing and not right.
“I’m at a pivotal point in my life and my career is so important to me, and [it] is very disappointing that the sport we love can make you feel this way, especially after there’s been so much growth in our sport.
“This is why I’m posting this, because I want to make you all aware that we as players dedicate our lives to our sport and our clubs but our dreams can be crushed while we live in silence.
“I am human and I have and will give everything to the game that I love. Ultimately, I just want to be happy again.”
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