Asante has signed a deal until May 2020 after announcing in November she would be leaving Swedish side Rosengard after four years with the club.

A defensive midfielder who is also capable of playing in central defence, the 32-year-old arrives with a wealth of experience at the highest level having competed in the Champions League, European Championships and World Cup finals, as well as winning a host of major honours.

A powerful and athletic performer, Asante returns to Chelsea after initially signing for the Blues in 2008.

Upon completing her move, she said: ‘I'm so excited to join the club. It's a great football team, with a deep squad and I can't wait to get started.

‘I've had the experience of playing here before, I have positive memories of that time and I've seen how much the club has grown since then, the success of the team and how they've developed. I feel I can be a part of that and contribute something.’