Chelsea Ladies sign Crystal Dunn from Washington Spirit
Wednesday 4 January 2017 17:31, UK
Chelsea Ladies have made their first signing of 2017 with USA international Crystal Dunn.
The 24-year-old, who won the NWSL's Golden Boot award in 2015, has signed a contract with the Blues until 2018.
Dunn, who made her international debut in 2013, has been known to play in defence or midfield, but has recently been deployed in attack.
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"It's a big personal challenge for me but I am ready to take this next step in my career," the winger said. "Playing for Chelsea is a unique opportunity for me to take my game to another level and I think the moment is right.
"I have only been to London once before but there is something that grabbed me about Chelsea. The whole family - culture, the unity, the morale - is making it feel just like home.
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"I'm excited because Chelsea has a large fan base and their relationship with the men's team alone is just incredible. I'm looking forward to the games and to seeing all the fans who come out and support and hopefully we can all help add to the growth of women's football in England.
'I'm going to give my all. It would be a dream to play in the Champions League and I am ready to help out the team in any way. I'm excited to join my new team-mates and join forces with them."
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes added: "Crystal is hands-down one of the best young players to have come through in the United States in recent years.
"She's just been voted second in US Soccer's Female Athlete of the Year, she is a Hermann Trophy winner, she has been a league top scorer and she has come out of a fantastic college programme. We are really getting a top-quality player coming to England.
"She is incredibly dynamic, she is very quick and when she gets in and around the penalty box, she is absolutely devastating. Importantly, she brings the world-class quality we have been looking to add to our squad."
