Chelsea Ladies snap up Chile goalkeeper

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Chelsea Ladies have signed Chile international goalkeeper Christiane Endler.

The 22-year-old is manager Emma Hayes’ eighth signing ahead of the new season and will provide competition for Marie Hourihan.

Endler, who has been voted Chilean footballer of the year three times, moves from the United States, where she has been playing for the University of South Florida Bulls.

“I am very happy to be joining Chelsea,’ said Endler, who was born in Chile but has dual nationality through her German father.

“I am looking forward to playing in England, meeting the team, and helping the team achieve our goals this season.

“For me it is important to adapt well to the team and style of play in England and to give my best for the team and for the Chelsea fans.”

Chelsea Ladies begin their season with an FA Cup tie at home to Bristol Academy on Sunday 13 April.

They then face the same opposition away from home in their opening FA WSL fixture on Thursday 17 April, with their first home game against defending champions Liverpool three days later.

Endler will not be part of the squad for the opening few games as he is not due to link up with her new team-mates until next month.

“Christiane Endler is one of the top young goalkeepers in international football and it’s a real coup for us to get her here at Chelsea,” said Hayes.

“She has a commanding presence and her all-round game is exceptional. She will provide competition with Marie and is the final piece in our group for this season.”

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