Chelsea Women: Czech Republic international exits to SK Slavia Prague after injury-riddled tenure

Katerina Svitkova said it best: "Sometimes it just isn't meant to be, even if you want it so much." The midfielder's excitement to join Chelsea FC Women in the summer of 2022 was clear as day. It was her dream. This was the club she supported since childhood. Unfortunately, on Friday, the West Londoners announced that Svitkova's time in blue has come to an end. The 28-year-old versatile midfielder will permanently return to the club she made 177 appearances for prior to coming to the Women's Super League, SK Slavia Prague.

During her short period at Chelsea, Svitkova recorded five appearances — three in the WSL and two in the UEFA Women's Champions League. Despite playing just 141 minutes of competitive in blue, the former West Ham player tallied two goals and one assist, including an assist against her former club in her debut match.

Chelsea's former No. 13 won the WSL and FA Cup in her first season under Emma Hayes.

Her time was largely hampered by injury — a meniscus knee injury, to be more specific. After undergoing knee surgery and rehab, Svitkova went out on loan to Slavia Prague on February 5, 2024. It seemed like only a matter of time before the Czech Republic international departed London given the amount of injury adversity. Minutes for her in Sonia Bompastor's team were destined to be few and far between, so a move back home is what is best for her career.

Svitkova's time at Chelsea was simply one that was bound to end sooner rather than later

"For the last six months, I have been very satisfied at Slavia," Svitkova said on the decision to move. "Both the club and the national team provide us with wide opportunities to use various physiotherapists and modern equipment, which helps me stay in good health. This is something I missed in England and one of the main reasons why I decided to stay here."

The four-time Czech Footballer of the Year joins the Czech Women's First League giants on a three-year contract. During the loan, Svitkova played in eight matches, helping her side win the league over rivals Sparta Prague. The finish qualified the club for the second round of the UEFA Women's Champions League. The draw for that will take place on September 9, with the first legs set for September 18 and 19.

In those 177 games for Prague before coming to the United Kingdom, Svitkova scored an astounding 188 goals. She also won the Czech Women's First League on five occasions and the Czech Women's Cup twice.

"In the last six months, I confirmed again how much the club has moved forward," said Svitkova. "The overall background is at a high level, and there are no longer significant differences compared to abroad. I am happy that I can be part of a team that has ambitions to play in the Champions League, and I want to help the girls fight for this prestigious goal."

All of us here at the PoL would like to thank Katerina for her time at Chelsea and wish her the best in her future endeavors.