Chelsea goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger has joined Gotham FC for an undisclosed transfer fee.
The German international, 33, joins the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side on a one-year contract with the option of a further year.
Berger leaves Chelsea after making 114 appearances for the Women’s Super League (WSL) champions over six years.
“I am incredibly excited to join Gotham FC for this season,” said Berger. “The NWSL is one of the best leagues in the world right now and I am very excited to compete and be a part of this league.”
Chelsea paid tribute and wished Berger – who twice finished third in the FIFA best goalkeeper award – good luck in his next move.
A statement said: “Everyone at Chelsea would like to express their sincere gratitude to Ann for her service to the club, and we wish her every success during her time in the United States. »
Thanks AKB. 💙
After many extraordinary years at Chelsea, @Berger_Ann joined Gotham FC on a permanent transfer. pic.twitter.com/NntqzuLUHg
– Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) April 19, 2024
Gotham head coach Juan Carlos Amoros is excited to add such an experienced player to his team.
“Ann is a very strong and experienced goalkeeper, who is a true professional,” he said.
“She brings international experience and has always performed very well at the highest level. We are very excited to have Ann join us for this season.
Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes added: “An incredible servant. I always say that I have never seen a goalkeeper save penalties like Ann, the best in the world. Some of the adversity she’s had to endure with her own personal health, she has legendary status at Chelsea but that’s football.
“She wants to play and go to the Olympics and I admire that in players. I know she will go with our blessing and we wish her well.
Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert said she was “very grateful to Ann”, adding that “she gave us so many brilliant memories”.
Berger began her professional career in Germany with Sindelfingen and Turbine Potsdam before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in France and later Birmingham City in England, where she won the WSL Players’ Player of the Year award. in 2017 after returning from thyroid cancer.
She is a four-time WSL champion with Chelsea where she has also won the FA Cup three times and the League Cup twice.
Berger was long established as Emma Hayes’ number 1 before falling behind Zecira Musovic and Hannah Hampton this season.
She was part of Germany’s squad at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and has won nine caps for her country.
Gotham is eighth in the NWSL standings after winning one of its first three games of the 2024 season.
(Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)