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Toni Duggan moves to Barcelona on a two year deal

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Toni Duggan has moved from Manchester City Women to Barcelona on a two year deal.

Toni Duggan
Toni Duggan scores Manchester City Women’s second goal against Chelsea to secure the WSL1 title

City’s England striker has signed a two year deal with the Catalan club who are growing their interest in the Women’s game and are aiming to win the Women’s UEFA Champions League as well as City.

Speaking about the move, Duggan said:

“FC Barcelona for me is the biggest club in the world I wanted to come here and be a part of that.

“In England I had a lot of success but I want even more. There’s still one trophy missing for me, and Barcelona want the same. I want to win the Champions League and their ambitions is to win it too.

“It’ll be a new experience for me and one I’ll relish.”

Duggan also thanked Manchester City staff and fans, adding:

“An hour to be there from the start. Special thank you to my team mates, the staff and our special fans! Good luck.”

https://twitter.com/toniduggan/status/882922332830019584

She leaves City having scored 31 goals in 74 appearances during three seasons with City after joining from Everton, helping City lift the 2014 Continental Tyres Cup in her first season and representing England in the World Cup.

Duggan was an integral member of the team which secured the Women’s Superleague 1 title and she scored a penalty against Chelsea Ladies last September in their memorable title decider.

She was also in the team that secured the 2016 Continental Cup in October but was only a substitute in May when City lifted the SSE FA Cup at Wembley during a 4-1 win over Birmingham City Ladies.

Duggan created a goal at Wembley on that day and also scored a hat trick at Bristol City in the Spring series this year.

Competition for places and new signings may have been a contributing factor in her departure but Duggan’s move means she will be the first English footballer to move to Barcelona since Gary Lineker in 1986.

City have already signed a replacement for Duggan in the form of Scotland international forward Claire Emslie who joined the club on July 1.