Chloe Kelly: From dark place to Champions League glory | OneFootball

Chloe Kelly admits she considered quitting football before her return to Arsenal, but says the club helped her rediscover happiness.

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Chloe Kelly says her return to Arsenal helped her rediscover happiness, after starting Saturday Champions League final win over Barcelona.

The England winger, who rejoined Arsenal in January on loan from Manchester City, spoke after the 1-0 victory in Lisbon, describing her journey back to the club and the impact it has had on her both personally and professionally.

“As soon as I stepped foot in this club, I found happiness,” Kelly said. “Renee Slegers, as soon as she got on the phone to me, to give me the opportunity to represent this badge, I wanted to repay her. From being in such a dark place to now, it’s crazy.”

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Kelly, who started the final before being substituted in the second half for Beth Mead, confirmed she had been ready to step away from the game entirely before the move.

“No, I was ready to take a break from football completely. I’m just grateful,” she said, when asked if she could have predicted this outcome.

Her future at Arsenal remains uncertain, but Kelly spoke with gratitude about her time since returning to the club.

“Look, if it’s my last game for the club, I’ll forever be grateful,” she said. “I know I’ve given my all to Arsenal Football Club and Arsenal Football Club has given their all to me.

“They gave me an opportunity to step foot on the pitch and find happiness. It’s not about football at times. No matter what happened today, the club gave me happiness.”

Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images

Kelly also reflected on her connection with the supporters.

“I love them, they’re flipping amazing,” she said. “Whether at the Emirates, whether here in Lisbon, Villa Park when things weren’t going to plan. They know exactly what we want and they’re on that journey with us. They’re the best fans that I’ve ever played in front of. Whether I was playing against them or for them, they’re the best fans.”

Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images

She then recalled her early days in the Arsenal academy, and the journey with players she grew up alongside.

“I was speaking to Lotte on the pitch after the game,” Kelly said. “Me and Lotte used to get the underground to Finsbury Park, Finsbury Park to Potters Bar. Potters Bar, we used to get off and get a bus and get off at the M25 bridge and walk to the training ground. Looking back, it’s been a journey. To do it with these girls is so good. Players that I’ve played with growing up, Leah, when I joined Arsenal when I was 12, it’s amazing. You see the journey that everyone is on. Arsenal have always paved the way for women’s football and we continue to do so. This is the ones that allowed us to be here today.”

Kelly returned to Arsenal in January and made her first appearance back at the club in a 5-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium.

“Since I stepped into this club, I have felt a warm welcome,” she said at the time. “It felt amazing in front of unbelievable support. I felt myself on the pitch today.”