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Ji So-yun signs with Chelsea Ladies

January 28, 2014

Chelsea Ladies’ newest player Ji So-yun waves to fans at Incheon International Airport before leaving for England on Tuesday. She became the first Korean to play for a England-based team after signing a two-year contract. (Yonhap)

By Kwon Ji-youn

Female footballer Ji So-yun has signed a two-year contract with the Chelsea Ladies, becoming the first Korean to play in the Women’s Super League in England.

The announcement of Ji’s addition was published on the club’s website along with an interview with Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, who described Ji as “one of the best midfielders in the world.”

“She has got everything and is a great fit for our team, and I’ve no doubt she will prove a big success in a Chelsea shirt,” Hayes added.

Ji, who made her debut at the age of 15, has made 55 international appearances and scored 26 goals. She joins the club from the Japanese league and cup holders INAC Kobe Leonessa.

“I am glad to be joining the Chelsea Ladies and look forward to the new challenge of playing football in Europe,” Ji said in a statement. “I will get myself in shape to become an integral player for my team and to lead Chelsea to the highest possible levels.”

The Chelsea Ladies, based in Fulham, England, are affiliated with Chelsea F.C., a Premier League men’s team. Founded in 1992, they were a founding member of the FA Women’s Super League and finished seventh out of eight teams in the league last season.

The Chelsea Ladies have already signed two England internationals, Katie Chapman and Gilly Flaherty, indicating their intention to improve significantly when the new season gets going in April. The inclusion of the re-launched Manchester City Women’s Football Club in the league this season, which will compete in the top flight for the first time, will raise both standards and stakes for Chelsea.