Liverpool Women have announced the return of former captain Gemma Bonner to Merseyside after a three-and-a-half year spell away from the club.
The 31-year-old defender made the move to Liverpool in 2012 and quickly became club captain, leading the team to two Women's Super League titles in 2013 and 2014.
Bonner made a total of 115 appearances and scored six goals for Liverpool before joining Manchester City in 2018, where she won an FA Cup in 2020 ahead of her switch to Racing Louisville in 2021.
After coming up with one goal in 33 matches for the Kentucky-based side, Bonner has rejoined Liverpool on a permanent basis, although the deal is still subject to international clearance.
The England international's return to Liverpool sees her once again reunite with manager Matt Beard, whom she also worked under at Chelsea before they both joined the Reds Ladies.
Speaking to liverpoolfc.com following her return, Bonner claimed that she "always knew" she would be back on Merseyside one day, saying: "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, 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.
The lights are on and Gemma Bonner is home 🫶
— Liverpool FC Women (@LiverpoolFCW) December 24, 2022
We are delighted to announce the return of @gembon23, subject to international clearance and formal approvals! pic.twitter.com/8fdwuJmhaE
"The team have started the season really well, obviously had a successful season last year getting back into the top league. They've got good foundations and are definitely building. Hopefully I can come in and contribute to the continued progression.
"One of the proudest things I've done is lifting those trophies, especially back-to-back. I have some incredible memories from 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 vibe feels good, it feels right to come back, and most importantly hopefully I can show on the pitch and bring something to the team."
Beard also affirmed that he could not pass up on the chance to bring the defender back to Anfield, adding: "It was too good an opportunity to pass up to bring Gemma back to the football club.
"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."
Bonner - an 11-cap England international who won the 2019 SheBelieves Cup with the Lionesses - was also named the Liverpool Women's Fans Player of the Year for 2018.
Liverpool currently sit ninth in the WSL table, having won just two of their first nine games of the season, and their next game sees them travel to face Manchester United on January 15.
Ben Knapton
