MAREN MJELDE has given a Chelsea boost by agreeing to extend her contract with the champs until June 2022.
And the Norway ace is targeting triumph in Europe with Emma Hayes’s side aiming to snatch Lyon’s Champions League crown.
Maren Mjelde’s new deal will see her remain at Chelsea until 2022 with the possibility of an extension Credit: Getty Images – Getty
The tough-tackling midfielder, who joined Chelsea in 2017 has her hopes pinned on domestic and European glory this season.
The Blues, who are due to play Aston Villa, are aiming to become the first WSL team since Arsenal to win the biggest prize in women’s club football in Europe.
Mjelde, 31, told Chelsea’s website: “Of course, we want to win everything in England first, that is important. We also want to compete in Europe, we feel we belong there.
‘Last year, we were not able to compete because of the previous season’s performances. That was really hard for us.
‘For me personally and for the team, we really want to win the Champions League. That is one of the biggest reasons why I still want to be here because I feel like this team can do it.
Mjelde has made 55 appearances for Emma Hayes side since joining the giants from Norwegian side Avaldsnes Idrettslag in January 2017.
In that time the Norway captain has won two league titles, a league cup and an FA Cup with the club.
And this term Mjelde has made nine starts including an appearance in the Blues pivotal home win against title rivals Man United.
Mjelde said: “When I came to Chelsea it was a really good team. I felt it was some levels up from the club I played for before.
“You can see there has been a lot of changes. In my first season, we got to the semi-finals of the Champions League but we were not close at all.
Maren Mjelde and her Chelsea team-mates hope to win the Women’s Champions League this termCredit: PA:Press Association
“The year after, against Lyon, we were pretty close to reaching the final. That’s the direction we want to go.”
Chelsea’s general manager Paul Green added: “She (Maren) is one of the leaders within the group and has played a big part in the team’s success over the years.
“Having performed at the highest level for many years, we have no doubt her experience and quality will continue to help the club achieve success.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
