Chloe Kelly says Arsenal return saved her career: 'I was ready to take a break from football'
Chloe Kelly has revealed she considered stepping away from football before her loan return to Arsenal in January.
The England international played a key role as Arsenal clinched Champions League glory for the first time since 2007 on Saturday, Stina Blackstenius scoring the only goal as the Gunners beat Barcelona 1-0 in Lisbon.
Kelly joined Arsenal's academy in 2010, making her professional debut five years later before joining Everton and later Manchester City.
Her stay at City turned sour this season as she was often relegated to the bench after falling out with then-manager Gareth Taylor, and she rejoined Arsenal on loan in January.
Kelly has been on fine form since returning to north London and has revealed she had considered quitting the sport while at City.
'I was ready to take a break from football completely,' she said. 'I'm just grateful.
'As soon as I stepped foot in this club, I found happiness. 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.'
Kelly becomes a European champion for the second time in her career after winning Euro 2022 with the Lionesses.
A free agent in June, she could soon return to Arsenal on a permanent basis.
'If it's my last game for the club, I'll forever be grateful. I know I've given my all to Arsenal football club, and Arsenal football club has given their all to me,' she said.
'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.'
Kelly added: 'It's been a journey. Me and Lotte [Wubben-Moy] 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.
'To do it with these girls is so good. Players that I've played with growing up, Leah [Williamson], 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. They are the ones that allowed us to be here today.'
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