McCabe 'stayed off social media' after Chelsea move

Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe said she decided to "stay off social media this week" after her move from Arsenal to Chelsea was confirmed.

The Blues announced the signing of the 30-year-old on Monday on a deal until June 2029 with the option of a further year.

McCabe opted to move to west London after rejecting a late contract offer from the Gunners in April.

The transfer has drawn criticism online, with McCabe's mother and father both speaking out on the abuse she has received and the left-back explained how she has opted to avoid social media this week in light of the negative comments.

"For any parent using social media, seeing a lot of abuse being thrown their child's way is difficult to see," McCabe said.

"This is the first big announcement of my career, leaving a massive football club to go another big football club. It's new territory. I've stayed off social media this week because my full concentration has been on these games [with Republic of Ireland].

"I've got a lot of support from my teammates, Carla [Ward] and the staff here in Ireland. I'm in a good place mentally.

"I don't condone any abuse, I don't think it is the way forward when these things happen because it is football. People are humans at the end of the day and have feelings, but my way of dealing with it is removing myself and staying away from it."

McCabe played a key role as Arsenal won the Champions League in 2025 and she also has a WSL title, an FA Cup, three League Cups and one Champions Cup medal.

She said she "empathises a lot with the Arsenal fans at the minute" as she ended her 11-year association with the club, but explained she ultimately felt ready for a new venture with Chelsea.

"It's not an easy thing to see a player that's spent so long at a club going to a rival club, but at the same time, I need to put myself first. This was the best case for me. I know I'm 30 now, but I still feel I'm in a really good place in my career. I feel like I've still got a lot to give," McCabe continued.

"Chelsea have had so much success over the last few years so I want to continue to compete at the top and win trophies and be part of something really special."

The Dublin native reflected fondly on her time at Arsenal, who she joined from Raheny United in 2015, and also spoke of her excitement at moving to Chelsea, who are aiming to reclaim the WSL title from Manchester City next season.

"Having spent 10-11 years at a football club is really special and to do it at a football club like Arsenal was amazing.

"Growing up there, learning so much as a player and a person, I have a lot of respect for everyone there and my team-mates.

"It was difficult the last few months for me, but it's the right time now for a new chapter in my career.

"Having spoken with Sonia [Bompastor], I understood what she wanted and the project she is trying to create at Chelsea and I wanted to be part of that."