Maren Mjelde: Chelsea Ladies sign Norway captain until 2018

Maren Mjelde (right) was named in the Team of the Tournament at Uefa Women's Euro 2013, having helped Norway reach the final

Chelsea Ladies have signed Norway captain Maren Mjelde until 2018.

The central midfielder, 27, who has 107 international caps, will join the Women's Super League One outfit from Norwegian club Avaldsnes on 1 January.

She reached the Women's Champions League semi-finals with German side Turbine Potsdam in 2013-14, before a spell with Swedish side Goteborg.

"To sign Maren is a real statement of intent from the club," manager Emma Hayes told Chelsea's club website.

"We have been looking for a player that brings leadership and experience to the group and she fits the bill perfectly."

Mjelde added: "The project that the club and Emma are working on is hugely exciting. This is an important stage of my career and I needed a new challenge after a successful season in Norway.

"I want to win trophies and improve as a player and believe I can do that at Chelsea."

Chelsea finished second in the English top flight in 2016 and reached the Women's FA Cup final, after winning the double in 2015.

Maren Mjelde (left) played against England in the last 16 of the 2015 World Cup