‘I need to put myself first’ – McCabe on Chelsea move

‘I need to put myself first’ – McCabe on Chelsea moveImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, McCabe has signed a three-year-deal to join Chelsea on 1 July when her Arsenal contract expiresByLauren McCannBBC Sport NI journalistPublished34 minutes agoRepublic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe mentioned she had to “put myself first” as she opened up about her switch from Arsenal to Chelsea.The Blues verified the signing of the 30-year-old on Monday on a deal until June 2029 with the option of a further year.McCabe opted to move to west London after rejecting a late contract offer from the Gunners in April.The left-back spent 11 years with Arsenal, where she won a Women’s Super League title in 2019 and the Women’s Champions League in 2025, but feels ready to pursue a new opportunity, despite criticism of her move.”I empathise a lot with the Arsenal fans at the minute because it’s not an easy thing to see a player that’s spent so long at a club going to a rival club,” McCabe mentioned.”But at the same time, I need to put myself first. This was the best case for me. I know I’m 30 now, but I still feel I’m in a really good place in my career. I feel like I’ve still got a lot to give.”Chelsea have had so much success over the last few years so I want to continue to compete at the top and win trophies and be part of something really special.”Chelsea sign McCabe after Arsenal exit