Emma Hayes has announced she will leave Chelsea at the end of the 2023-24 season in order to pursue a new opportunity outside of the Women's Super League and club football.

The news arrived shortly after the Blues' convincing 6-0 victory at Aston Villa this afternoon, with six different players on the scoresheet at Bescot Stadium — including club captain Millie Bright.

Hayes joined the reigning WSL champions in 2012 and has won six league titles, five Women's FA Cups and many more major honours, famously guiding Chelsea to a domestic treble in 2020-21.

The 47-year-old has been named FA WSL Manager of the Season six times and was inducted into the division's Hall of Fame in 2021.

Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: "Emma has been one of the biggest drivers of change in women's football. 

"Her achievements at Chelsea are unrivalled and will live in the club's history forever.

"Given everything she has contributed to Chelsea in over a decade with the club, and the legacy she leaves behind. 

"We would never stand in her way when she felt it was the right time to pursue a new challenge.

"We are pleased that she will remain with the club for the remainder of the season to give us the time to identify her successor.

"There will be plenty of time to celebrate Emma's many achievements at the club and to give her the farewell she deserves. 

"But for now, as she always has been, Emma will be solely focused on making this season as successful as possible for Chelsea."