Macario describes 'dream come true' after ending injury hell with goal

Catarina Macario described scoring on her Chelsea debut after 20 months out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury as "a dream come true".

The USA international put nearly two years of hell behind her as she netted the fourth goal in the Blues' comfortable 4-0 win over Leicester at the King Power Stadium.

And the summer signing from Lyon admitted she was nervous before being introduced as a substitute.

She told Sky Sports: "Finally I'm able to be back on the pitch.

"It honestly felt like a dream come true, not just to get over the injury but to represent Chelsea for the first time and score a goal.

"I was definitely a bit nervous. The girls next to me on the bench could tell and they just told me to have fun. When you've been out for so long you're kind of happy to be back on the pitch regardless.

"There were a few touches that weren't the best but I'm happy to be back out there."

Macario will soon work under Emma Hayes in a different guise, with the Chelsea boss departing the Women's Super League side to take over as head coach of the US women's national team this summer.

And she believes Hayes' encouragement during her rehabilitation has set the tone for a successful relationship moving forward.

The 24-year-old said: "She [Hayes] told me how lucky Chelsea are and also the United States are to have me back.

"Hopefully I can make a good impact for both teams.

"Emma has been tremendous. She's been so supportive this whole time, not pressuring me to come back or anything. I couldn't have asked for a better manager or coaching staff in general.

"I'm super lucky to have my team-mates too. Chelsea have supported me a lot."

Macario and Co take on title rivals Manchester City in the Conti Cup semi-final on Thursday and face Everton in the WSL next weekend.