Macario dedicates sweet Toffees strike to Chelsea staff

Catarina Macario has dedicated her FA Cup quarter-final winning goal to Chelsea's medical staff following her long battle back from injury.

The forward, 24, tore her ACL in June 2022 — a year before completing a move to West London — and returned to action for the first time against Leicester in the Women's Super League earlier this month.

She celebrated her comeback with a goal and followed it up against Everton yesterday, netting in the 66th minute to send the Blues into the final four.

Reflecting on her journey, the United States international heaped praise on the Chelsea staff for their patience in her recovery.

She told the club's official website: "It honestly has been the hardest period of my life. 

"It's been nearly two years but I'm super grateful Chelsea never gave up on me — and that they even wanted me.

"I joined when I was injured and no player ever wants to do that. So I'm very thankful to Emma [Hayes], Denise [Reddy] and Paul Green for having that faith in me. 

"I'm so blessed to be in this team because they really are special and have made the time go so fast, even in the toughest months."

Macario is keen to kick on with her fledgling Chelsea career as they chase trophies on four fronts.

As well as the FA Cup, they currently lead the WSL on goal difference over Manchester City, have booked a spot in the Conti Cup final against Arsenal and face a quarter-final showdown with Ajax in the Champions League.

Macario added: "The Chelsea standard is to be fighting for all those trophies.

"I feel like we have to take it day by day. Every time we step on the pitch, whether for training or for a game, we have to rise above those expectations, really dig in and do what we need.

"We have great depth, both on the bench and on the field. So everyone is up for the task and that is what we want."