Chelsea goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger has joined Gotham FC for an undisclosed transfer fee.
The Germany international, 33, joins the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side on a one-year deal with the option of a further year.
Berger leaves Chelsea having made 114 appearances for the Women’s Super League (WSL) champions across six years.
“I am incredibly excited to join Gotham FC for this season,” Berger said. “The NWSL is one of the top 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 has twice finished third in The Best FIFA Goalkeeper award — well in her 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.”
Thank you, AKB. 💙
After many amazing years at Chelsea, @Berger_Ann has 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 delighted to add such an experienced player to his squad.
“Ann is a very strong and experienced goalkeeper, who is a true professional,” he said.
“She brings international experience and has performed really well consistently at the highest level. We are very excited to have Ann join us for this season.”
Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes added: “An amazing servant. I always say I’ve never seen a goalkeeper save penalties like Ann, best in the world. Some of the adversity she has had to endure with her own personal health, she is legendary status at Chelsea but this is football.
“She wants to play and go to an Olympics and I admire that about players. I know she will go with our blessing and we wish her the best of luck.”
Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert said she was “super grateful to Ann,” adding that “she has given us so many brilliant memories”.
Berger began her professional career in Germany with Sindelfingen and Turbine Potsdam before spells with Paris Saint-Germain in France and later Birmingham City in England, where she won WSL players’ player of the year in 2017 after returning from thyroid cancer.
She is a four-time WSL champion with Chelsea where she also won the FA Cup three times and the League Cup twice.
Berger was long established as Emma Hayes’ No 1 before falling behind both Zecira Musovic and Hannah Hampton this season.
She was part of the Germany squad at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and has won nine caps for her country.
Gotham are eighth in the NWSL standings having won one of their opening three games of the 2024 season.
(Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
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