Chelsea midfielder Melanie Leupolz has penned a new deal with the club following the birth of her first child.
The 28-year-old welcomed a baby boy in October is beginning her re-integration into the first team. Leupolz hasn't featured for the Blues since December 2021 but has now extended her stay at Kingsmeadow until the summer of 2026.
The German international joined Chelsea from Bayern Munich ahead of the 2020/21 campaign, and helped the Blues win a league and cup double in her debut season, making 34 appearances and netting nine goals. She also played an instrumental role in the first half of the 2021/22 season, helping Chelsea triumph over Arsenal in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
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Leupolz also has an impressive international pedigree, making her senior debut at 19 and having registered more than 75 caps. The midfielder helped Germany to victory at the 2013 European Championships and won the 2016 Olympic gold medal before representing her country at the 2015 and 2019 World Cups in Canada and France respectively.
Speaking after signing the extension, Leupolz said: "When I was leaving Bayern, Chelsea was my favourite club and I wanted to join. I was really lucky that it worked out and my time here has been so special.
"I played the first one-and-a-half years and it feels like I’m not done here, which is why I wanted to extend. I want more games with the team, more chances to win titles and one big ambition is to win the Champions League."
General manager Paul Green added: "We are delighted that Melanie has extended her contract after returning from her maternity leave. Melly played a key part in our success in her first 18 months at the club and will almost be like a new signing coming back into the squad this month. We are looking forward to seeing her back in a blue shirt and building on that success over the upcoming years."
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