Man City’s Chloe Kelly releases extraordinary statement in bid to force move to Man United | OneFootball

Manchester City forward Chloe Kelly has released a statement, going public with her desire to leave as she tries to force a move to local rivals Manchester United.

Earlier this month, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United were keen on completing a shock loan deal for Kelly, who has fallen out of favour at City.

She has started just one of the 12 WSL games played by Gareth Taylor’s side. Taylor has been questioned several times about Kelly’s lack of minutes but has consistently remained coy over the matter.

Kelly was left out of the matchday squad on 19 January as United beat them 4-2 at the Etihad, courtesy of an Ella Toone hat trick and a Leah Galton strike.

It’s understood that Kelly’s contract with City expires in the summer and talks have been unproductive. Her relationship with Taylor is also broken, almost to the point of no repair.

According to The Telegraph, Kelly knows regular football is needed in a bid to guarantee her place in the England squad ahead of Euro 2025, hence her desire to leave City before the window closes at 11 pm on Thursday.

Sky Sports reveal that Kelly has rejected the chance to move to Brighton and Hove Albion, with her preference being a switch to United.

The Lionesses forward wants to stay close to family but City are reluctant to let her join a direct rival. Sky note that City have only received “one suitable bid”, which has been with Kelly for her consideration. The player knows that City would demand more from United.

On Wednesday, Kelly took to Instagram and expressed her disappointment with City’s treatment of her.

She also said she would no longer “tolerate” someone’s negative behaviour”, although she did not specifically name that individual.

Kelly wrote, “For a long time I’ve tried to work through professional challenges privately, not commenting publicly, but with my situation increasingly being debated in the public domain I feel it’s time to be open and transparent and you heard it from my perspective.”

“A key lesson I have learned in my life is that whilst I can’t control someone’s negative behaviour towards me, I can control how long I am prepared to tolerate it.”

“From day one, I’ve felt so much love from my team-mates and the fans. With my contract expiring in June I’ve accepted my future is not at this club beyond then.”

“With the Euros fast approaching, this summer is a huge one and I want to be in a position to give it my best shot to represent my country. Something which has always filled me with such pride and it is a true honour to do so.”

“However, to be dictated whom I can and can’t join with only four months left of the football season is having a huge impact on not only my career but my mental well-being. The situation has dragged on for too long, it’s disappointing and not right.”

She added, “I’m at a pivotal point in my life and my career is so important to me and [it] is very disappointing that the sport we love can make you feel this way, especially after there’s been so much growth in our sport.”

“This is why I’m posting this because I want to make you all aware that we as players dedicate our lives to our sport and our clubs but our dreams can be crushed whilst we live in silence.”

“I am human and I have and will give everything to the game that I love. Ultimately, I just want to be happy again.”

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Marc Skinner and his players are back in action on Sunday when they face Tottenham Hotspur.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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