Ellie Carpenter has spoken of her excitement ahead of the Chelsea Women Australia tour, with the defender preparing to represent the Blues in her home country.
Carpenter admitted she never expected to return to Australia wearing Chelsea colours and is looking forward to playing in front of family and friends.
Chelsea begin the trip in New Zealand, where Sonia Bompastor’s side will face Auckland before travelling to Sydney. The tour will then continue with a meeting against the A-League Women All-Stars at Allianz Stadium.
Carpenter believes the trip will also help Chelsea’s squad continue building relationships after another busy summer. ReadChelsea’s latest transfer round-up details the significant changes across the club this summer, with several new faces joining Bompastor’s group before the new campaign.
Chelsea Women Australia tour means more to Carpenter
“I never thought I’d be going to Australia with Chelsea,” she said. “I’m really excited, and to also wear this jersey in my home country.”
The Australia international has more than 100 caps for the Matildas and knows several players selected for the A-League Women All-Stars. Carpenter believes that familiarity should add another layer to the fixture while also giving younger Australian players an opportunity against WSL opposition.
She is also looking forward to seeing family based around Sydney. Carpenter does not return home regularly outside international windows, making the Chelsea Women Australia tour a rare opportunity to combine club football with a homecoming.
Bompastor will also use the trip to continue integrating Chelsea’s new signings. Carpenter said the squad has already started bonding well, and believes travelling together should help those relationships develop further before the new WSL season.
