Emma Hayes backs Catarina Macario to bring flair to Chelsea after USA star seals Blues move

EMMA HAYES reckons Catarina Macario will add more panache to Chelsea with the forward confirming her Blues switch from Lyon today. 

The USA ace, 23, has become the second player in a year to join from the French giants following Kadeisha Buchanan’s move last June.

APMacario impressed for Lyon becoming the first American to score in the Women’s Champions League final when they beat Barcelona last year[/caption]

The USA forward has joined Chelsea on a three-year deal after spending two seasons with the French giants

GettyMacario netted 14 goals in 20 top-flight in her first year at Lyon[/caption]

The pacy Brazil-born player’s transfer follows a season which has seen her sidelined by an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Before then helped Lyon win their eighth Women’s Champions League crown with a 3-1 defeat of Barcelona last May.

It was a match that saw her become the first American player to net in a final in the contest.

Blues chief Hayes said: “Cat is one of the most intelligent, creative attacking players in the world who I think will blossom in this Chelsea team. 

“She brings a great deal of flair, European experience, and an unbelievable winning mentality. I think our fans will really love her.”

Chelsea general manager Paul Green added: “She’s one of the best players in the world and will add a lot of power, pace and dynamism to our frontline. 

“We feel that she will be a big success at Chelsea.”

Macario, who moved to the USA from Brazil at 12, spent three years playing US college football for Stanford University, scoring 63 goals in 69 games for the Cardinals. 

And she sealed her first professional football move joining Lyon in January 2021.

Macario scored 23 goals in 33 games the following season helping the team to win their 15th top-flight title and the 2022 Champions League trophy. 

Her arrival at Chelsea follows the departure of Pernille and Magda Eriksson with the former Blues duo sealing transfers to Bayern Munich.

Macario said: “I’ve been fortunate to have some great experiences in Europe already with Lyon, playing with many top players and of course winning the Champions League also.

“I hope to carry on those experiences here and bring home the trophy for Chelsea as well!

“I can play either as a No.10 or a more traditional number nine and I’m looking forward to linking up with so many good forward players such as Sam (Kerr), Lauren James and Guro (Reiten).

PAMacario’s move will her reunited with Kadeisha Buchanan following her move from Lyon last June[/caption]

“It will be good to play with Kadeisha (Buchanan) again also.”

Macario’s national side will begin their bid to win a fifth World Cup when they take on Vietnam in their group stage game in Eden Park in New Zealand. 

However they will be without the services of the versatile forward who has not played a game since sustaining a knee ligament injury last year.