CHLOE KELLY hit out at Manchester City after completing her transfer to Arsenal, claiming the club attempted to “assassinate her character”.
The Lioness star shared her thoughts in a social media post on Thursday night after sealing a loan move to the Gunners.
GettyThe England forward’s contract with Man City is due to expire in June[/caption]
Yesterday evening Arsenal announced the Euros-winning England forward had joined the club on a temporary deal running until the end of this season.
Kelly, whose contract with Man City expires in June, will wear the Gunners’ number 18 jersey.
Her transfer to the London giants followed a dramatic day which included Man United attempting to sign her, with the Cityzens reluctant to see her join their local rivals.
It is also thought the forward had declined a chance to sign for Brighton with Sky Sports claiming her initial preference was to remain in Manchester.
However Kelly would later seal a move, before yesterday’s 11pm transfer deadline, that saw her return to the team where she began her senior playing career at the age of 17.
And the England international claimed Man City were “briefing journalists” against her.
SunSport have approached Man City for a response.
Via an Instagram story shared after her Arsenal loan move, Kelly wrote: “So disappointed to find out that people at the club are briefing journalists against me if I am to sign at a club before the window shuts.
“They’ve called reporters to assassinate my character and tried to plant negative stories about me in the football media, of which are false accusations.”
Following her Arsenal move Kelly thanked Man City’s fans for “welcoming her with open arms” and her team-mates at the club for their support.
Her transfer comes almost five years after she joined the Cityzens for whom she has scored 30 times in 109 appearances.
The forward helped the team to a Women’s FA Cup triumph in 2020 and a League Cup win in 2022.
And last season she made 18 top-flight appearances registering five goals and five assists with the club beaten on goal difference to the WSL title by Chelsea.
This term she struggled for top-flight game time making one start in the six top tier matches.
And two days ago she issued a written statement which explained that she “accepted” her future would not be at Man City beyond June.
In July 2022 Kelly made history playing an instrumental role in the Lionesses’ history-making European Championship triumph.
Her extra-time goal sealed England’s tournament win after a 2-1 defeat at Germany at Wembley earning the 48-capped Lioness widespread praise.
Two years ago she also helped England reach the Women’s World Cup final with the team falling to a slim 1-0 loss to tournament victors Spain.
And Kelly hopes to earn a place in Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses squad ahead of this year’s Euros taking place in Switzerland in July.
Head Coach Renée Slegers said: “Chloe is an exciting attacking player and will be a great addition to our squad as we approach the second half of the season.
“She’s direct and explosive, with huge natural talent and ability. We’re all looking forward to working with Chloe as an Arsenal player in the coming months.”
The completion of Kelly’s transfer comes ahead of Arsenal’s WSL trip to Man City on Sunday.
GettyChloe Kelly will provide with more attacking options with the club battling for more trophy wins[/caption]
The Gunners are currently fourth in the table and one point behind the Cityzens.
Both teams will also go toe-to-toe on February 6 in the semi-finals of this year’s Women’s League Cup.
Arsenal, who are the contest’s record winners, hope to win the trophy for a seventh time.
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