By Tom Garry
Chelsea striker Sam Kerr says carrying Australia’s flag at King Charles’ coronation was an “amazing honour” despite initially worrying about having to miss training with Chelsea.
Kerr led her nation’s delegation into Westminster Abbey after being selected by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as flag bearer.
Sam Kerr leads Governor-General David Hurley and his wife Linda, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon into Westminster Abbey for the coronation.Credit: Getty
She joined world leaders at the ceremony on Saturday, sandwiched in between scoring for her club against Liverpool on Wednesday, May 3 and then scoring again against Everton last Sunday, a little over 24 hours after seeing the King and Queen crowned.
“I got offered the opportunity to be a part of it about a month ago while I was in an international camp,” Kerr said, speaking ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup final at Wembley.
“I originally thought the Everton game was on the same day, so I thought it was not doable, but Emma [Hayes, Chelsea’s manager] and the club were kind enough to let me attend.
“It’s an amazing honour and something I’ll probably tell my kids about in 10 to 15 years. It’s been a crazy week.
Sam Kerr will lead the Chelsea attack against Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.Credit: Getty Images
“I was partly worried about missing a training session because that’s just who I am, but it all worked out, we had two wins, and I got to attend the King’s Coronation, which was something that was an amazing experience for me and a proud moment for my family.”
The honour came in a big year for Kerr and the Matildas just two-and-a-half months before they co-host the World Cup alongside New Zealand. The tournament begins on July 20 and Kerr, the national captain, will be the event’s poster star.
The remainder of May could also see Kerr win a domestic double with Chelsea as they battle with Manchester United for both the Women’s Super League title and the FA Cup.
The two teams meet at Wembley on Sunday as Kerr goes from being among 2200 distinguished guests at Westminster Abbey to playing in front of 90,000 fans. The national stadium has sold out for the first time in the Women’s FA Cup’s history.
Sunday’s match should smash the FA Cup record of 49,094, set during last year’s final when Chelsea beat Manchester City 3-2 in extra time. Kerr scored twice that day, including the winning goal in the 99th minute.
“I love playing at Wembley. It’s probably my favourite stadium to play at in the world, just based on whenever you go there it’s a big game,” Kerr added.
“This team (Chelsea) always steps up when there’s a big occasion, so it’s going to be amazing. [There will be] a packed out crowd [and] my family’s coming over for it, so it’s going to be very exciting.
Kerr scores the winning goal in the 2022 FA Cup final against Manchester City. She will be hoping for a repeat performance on Sunday. Credit: PA
“When you win one trophy, you can’t help but want more. The first year I was here [playing in England], we lost in the quarter-final to Everton and ever since then the girls were very quick to tell me that if you want to win one trophy, it’s the FA Cup. So, it’s a very important trophy to us and hopefully, we can keep it at Chelsea.”
Telegraph, London
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