Chelsea defender Maren Mjelde says she is “really happy” to extend her stay with the Women’s Super League champions.

The 33-year-old’s current deal was set to expire at the end of the month but she has now put pen to paper on a contract keeping her with the Blues for another season. Mjelde has expressed her delight after signing on the dotted line:

“I feel really happy, Chelsea is my club and it has been for six-and-a-half years. I’m happy to stay here, it’s been my home for a long time and I’m really excited for next season.”

Mjelde has been an important figure in Emma Hayes’s team since she joined from Avaldsnes IL in November 2016, racking up over 100 appearances in all competitions and collecting no less than 12 winners’ medals.

Although she has had a less prominent role over the last two seasons, mainly due to injuries, she made a telling contribution in Chelsea‘s run to the Champions League semi-finals this campaign.

Pressure penalties against Lyon

Mjelde stood up when Chelsea needed her most during the quarter-final. With the Blues 2-1 down on aggregate in extra time, she scored a penalty with the final kick to take the tie to penalties.

The Norway captain then stepped up in the shootout to score from the spot once again, before the London club prevailed following two saves from keeper Ann-Katrin Berger.