Sydney FC Westfield W-League midfielder Clare Wheeler has been richly rewarded for her fine form in 2020/21, sealing a move to 11-time Danish Champions Fortuna Hjørring.
Wheeler was an influential member of the squad during the club’s Premiership winning season, and will turn professional with the move, leaving her job at Macquarie Bank to pursue this opportunity.
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The midfielder thanked the Sky Blues for making her the player she is and said she’d be keenly following from the other side of the world.
“My time at Sydney FC has prepared me to take this next step in my career in Denmark,” she said.
“I’ve always wanted to completely pursue football full-time, play in the Champions League and hopefully represent my country.
“I’ve really enjoyed my season at Sydney FC. The squad, staff and fans have been extremely welcoming.
“From day one, the club was extremely accommodating on the field and off the field with helping me pursue both football and full-time work.
“Under Ante and the staff at Sydney FC I was able to hit new heights as a player in a more attacking role,” she continued.
“Sydney FC even presented the opportunity for me to play in my first W-League Grand Final and win my first Premiership.
“I’m sad to leave but I’m thankful I had the opportunity to be a part of something special and I’m sure Ante and the club will continue to be one of the most successful clubs in Australia.”
Westfield W-League Head Coach Ante Juric thanked Wheeler for her time at the club and said her move was another example of the quality Sydney FC can produce in women’s football.
“I am proud that Clare has been given an opportunity to continue to pursue her football career,” Juric said.
“I am glad and again proud of the way Sydney FC played a nice part in her development and progression to another level in her game.
“Clare proved her value as a Sydney FC player with her extremely influential performances of immense quality.
“In her short spell at the club she fast became a fan favourite and she was one of the first players on the team sheet.
“We will miss Clare greatly as a team and club. With this, it’s time now for another player to step into the frame and step up and make a name for themselves.”
Clare Wheeler featured 12 times for the Sky Blues, scoring four goals in the process as Sydney FC were crowned Premiers for the 2020/21 season.
