Gemma Bonner is to make a sensational return to the Women's Super League with former club Liverpool.
Bonner, 31, has spent the last two years at Racing Louisville in the United States but has agreed a deal to rejoin the Merseyside club, subject to international clearance. The defender, a childhood Liverpool supporter, captained the Reds to two WSL titles in 2013 and 2014 in a stellar spell at the club, making 115 appearances between 2012 and 2018.
“It’s a pretty special moment for me," said the former Liverpool skipper, who has won 11 caps for the Lionesses. "I still pinch myself when I’m coming into Anfield.
"I’m super excited to be back and I can’t wait to pull the shirt on again and get out there with the girls - and get back playing for Liverpool.
"I was here for quite a while before, it was a hard decision to leave but I think I always knew within myself that, one day, I would love to come back to Liverpool. Now the time feels right.
"The team have started the season really well, obviously had a successful season last year getting back into the top league. They’ve got good foundations and are definitely building. Hopefully, I can come in and contribute to the continued progression."
The news is a huge boost to Matt Beard and his squad as they look to climb the WSL table in their first season back in the top flight after promotion last term. The Liverpool manager is delighted to welcome back Bonner, having previously managed her at Chelsea and the Reds.
"It was too good an opportunity to pass up to bring Gemma back to the football club" said Beard. "We had a great working relationship before and she will bring leadership and experience to the team.
"She’s won everything in England with Liverpool and Man City and has now experienced America to broaden her horizons and open her eyes to different football cultures. It just feels like she’s coming home."
Are you excited to see Gemma Bonner back in a Liverpool shirt? Have your say in the comments!
Capped by England on 11 occasions, Bonner ended her first spell at the Reds by moving to Manchester City, where she won the 2020 FA Women's Cup. She then decided to move to the other side of the Atlantic and experience National Women's Soccer League football with Racing Lousiville.
She helped her side to a ninth-place finish last season, as Racing missed out on the play-offs. There was an option in her contract to stay for a third year, but Bonner well instead reunite with Liverpool and Beard in 2023.
Bonner was much-loved by the Liverpool support during her first spell at the club, winning the Fans' Player of the Year award back in 2018. And the centre-half said that winning two WSL titles under Beard was one of the main highlights of her career.
"One of the proudest things I’ve done is lifting those trophies, especially back-to-back," she said. "I have some incredible memories from my time here previously. Growing up as a Liverpool fan, it probably means that little bit more.
"Seeing my shirt today with the name on the back again was almost a little emotional. The vibe feels good, it feels right to come back and, most importantly, hopefully I can show on the pitch and bring something to the team."
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