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Chelsea FC have confirmed that long-serving goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger has completed a permanent transfer to NJ/NY Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League.
The German international joined Chelsea from Birmingham City in January 2019 and in the time that has elapsed, Berger has kept 60 clean sheets in 114 appearances, enjoying a trophy-laden career with the Blues.
In just over five years at the club, the 33-year-old has lifted four FA Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and a Community Shield, while also reaching the UEFA Women’s Champions League final in 2021.
Berger was a regular during the 2019/20 league campaign before it was curtailed due to Covid-19. The last match prior to that was in the League Cup final where the German made a string of impressive saves to help us to victory over Arsenal. She was also selected in the PFA Team of the Year.
A tally of 12 clean sheets from 17 matches ensured Berger won the WSL Golden Glove and another league title in 2020/21. She saved two penalties in a Champions League last-16 win over Atletico Madrid en route to the final, while retaining her spot in the PFA Team of the Year.
Ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, Berger was handed a new contract. She managed 15 clean sheets from 25 matches. For the third campaign running, and fourth overall, she was chosen by her peers in the PFA as the best goalkeeper of the season.
Individual recognition fell her way during the 2022/23 season when she was named in the top three for the FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper Award. She added another WSL and FA Cup double to her CV and made her 100th Blues appearance along the way.
Berger starred in a memorable penalty shoot-out victory over Lyon in a decisive Champions League quarterfinal tie at Stamford Bridge, making two big saves in front of the Shed End to help us into the semifinals.
