'I need to put myself first' - McCabe on Chelsea move

Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe said she had to "put myself first" as she opened up about her switch from Arsenal to Chelsea.

The Blues confirmed the signing of the 30-year-old on Monday on a deal until June 2029 with the option of a further year.

McCabe opted to move to west London after rejecting a late contract offer from the Gunners in April.

The left-back spent 11 years with Arsenal, where she won a Women's Super League title in 2019 and the Women's Champions League in 2025, but feels ready to pursue a new opportunity, despite criticism of her move.

"I empathise a lot with the Arsenal fans at the minute because it's not an easy thing to see a player that's spent so long at a club going to a rival club," McCabe said.

"But at the same time, I need to put myself first. This was the best case for me. I know I'm 30 now, but I still feel I'm in a really good place in my career. I feel like I've still got a lot to give.

"Chelsea have had so much success over the last few years so I want to continue to compete at the top and win trophies and be part of something really special."

The Irish skipper added that she was relieved her future was sorted before she came into camp as she could "focus on the games", which are both a must-win if her side want to achieve automatic qualification to next year's tournament in Brazil.

"It was no secret I was coming into the last year of my contract so from January onwards there were conversations naturally, and over the course of the last few weeks and months everything got sorted," added McCabe.

The Dublin native reflected fondly on her time at Arsenal, who she joined from Raheny United in 2015, and also spoke of her excitement at moving to Chelsea, who are aiming to reclaim the WSL title from Manchester City next season.

"Having spent 10-11 years at a football club is really special and to do it at a football club like Arsenal was amazing.

"Growing up there, learning so much as a player and a person, I have a lot of respect for everyone there and my team-mates.

"It was difficult the last few months for me, but it's the right time now for a new chapter in my career.

"Having spoken with Sonia [Bompastor], I understood what she wanted and the project she is trying to create at Chelsea and I wanted to be part of that."