With two goals in the 5-0 win against Benfica in the Champions League this week Fran Kirby became Chelsea Women’s all-time leading scorer, overtaking former England striker and now Aston Villa Women director of football Eniola Aluko.
The pair’s social media interaction following the achievement outlined the respect both players have for each other, going beyond the usual pleasantries for such an event.
Kirby paid tribute to Aluko on Instagram after the game saying: “People will ask me why one of the reasons I joined Chelsea, and this amazing woman was definitely one of them.”
Aluko responded on Twitter after Kirby had directed the Instagram post towards her on the platform, calling the new record-scorer: “One of the greats of all time for me, a forever teammate.”
Aluko followed this up with a video message to Kirby, via the Chelsea Women’s account, demonstrating the bond between the two by saying: “I’m glad to call you a friend. I will always fangirl you, as I’ve always said. I will always support you. You deserve this achievement.”
The relationship between competing teammates is not always an easy one, but it is clearly one of mutual admiration between two of Chelsea and England’s greatest goal-scorers.
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