'Kirby knows what it takes to be a great'

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Maisie Symonds couldn't believe her eyes when Fran Kirby signed for Albion last week.

2024-07-14T01:00+01:00

Albion midfielder Maisie Symonds still can’t quite believe that she will have the chance to play alongside Fran Kirby next season.

The decorated 31-year-old joined us last week after her contract with Chelsea came to an end, having won five consecutive WSL titles and a wealth of other honours.

“My mum called me saying that something was going on with Fran Kirby and I still hadn't seen it,” Maisie said. “So I was a bit shocked when I found out to be honest – we were all buzzing.

“I don't think anyone can believe it – looking at her in Brighton kit, my eyes weren’t taking it in properly! There's definitely a buzz about at the moment. It really shows what the club's about and where we're going.

Exclusive Fran Kirby interview

“It's kind of weird now to think that she's come to Brighton and we'll be playing together, she's such a great player for us to have.”

Kirby has been one of the leading English players in the game since she broke through at Reading, before making the move to the Blues in 2015.

That has seen her not only lift multiple domestic titles, but reach the final of the Champions League in 2021.

On the international stage, the attacking midfielder played in England’s EURO 2022 final win over Germany.

“Fran's worked with some of the best footballers in the world, “Maisie added. “She's played at the top for so long. She's played for England and Chelsea for a long time and has won everything. She knows what it means to be great.

“She knows how the standards have to be every day and she can really drive it. I don't see how I can's learn so much from a player of her standard.”