Gemma Bonner: Liverpool re-sign Women’s Super League title-winning captain on Christmas Eve | Football News

Former Liverpool captain and Women’s Super League champion Gemma Bonner will return to the club for a second spell beginning January 1.

The 31-year-old defender led Liverpool to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014 before leaving for Manchester City in 2018.

The festive timing of the club’s announcement is appropriate: Leeds-born Bonner, who joins from National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Racing Louisville, once wrote to Santa Claus to ask for a Liverpool kit for Christmas.

Bonner, who has been capped 11 times by England, said: « It’s a pretty special moment for me. I still pinch myself when I’m coming into Anfield.

« I’m super excited to be back and I can’t wait to pull the shirt on again and get out there with the girls and get back playing for Liverpool.

« I was here for quite a while before and it was a hard decision to leave, but I think I always knew within myself that one day I would love to come back to Liverpool. Now the time feels right.

« One of the proudest things I’ve done is lifting those trophies, especially back-to-back.

« I have some incredible memories of my time here previously. Growing up as a Liverpool fan it probably means that little bit more. Seeing my shirt today with the name on the back again was almost a little emotional. »

The Reds were promoted back to the WSL earlier this year after a dominant performance in the Championship, shocking champions Chelsea with a win in their first home contest of the 2022/23 WSL campaign.

American striker Katie Stengel has enjoyed a prolific start to the ninth-placed side’s season with six goals, leaving her level with Chelsea’s Fran Kirby in third place in the competition.

« The team have started really well, » said Bonner. « They’ve got good foundations and are definitely building. Hopefully I can come in and contribute to the continued progression. »

Bonner’s 115 appearances over her previous six-year stint with Liverpool still remains the second-highest for the club over the professional era, behind only Ashley Hodson.

The signing will also reunite the centre-back with manager Matt Beard, who steered Liverpool from 2012-2015 and had spells at Boston Breakers, West Ham and Bristol before returning in 2021.

« It was too good an opportunity to pass up bringing Gemma back to the football club, » said Beard, who also managed Bonner at Chelsea before both joined Liverpool.

« We had a great working relationship before and she will bring leadership and experience to the team.

« She’s won everything in England with Liverpool and Man City and has now experienced America to broaden her horizons and open her eyes to different football cultures.

« It just feels like she’s coming home. »