I would love to bow out winning the Champions League... but I won't be defined by it

FOR Emma Hayes, this season is a long goodbye.

- Nizaar Kinsella

Since it was announced in November that she will leave Chelsea this summer to take over the United States women's national team, Hayes has been dreaming of a perfect send-off.

The 47-year-old does not want her 12 years in charge of Chelsea to be defined by whether they win the Champions League the one trophy to elude her with the Blues - but there is no denying that winning the competition in Bilbao in May would be the ideal farewell present.

Hayes has been reflecting on her hugely successful time at Chelsea since she became the first female recipient of the Football Writers' Association Tribute Award.

She received the honour last Sunday at the Landmark Hotel, not far from where she grew up in Camden.

At her home in Muswell Hill, medals hang from her kitchen light fittings from the six WSL titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups she has won with Chelsea.

The Champions League is the one missing, although Hayes points to the fact she has a winners' medal from 2007, when she was assistant to Vic Akers at all-conquering Arsenal.

Her Chelsea side can take a step towards their own European triumph tonight when they play Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge.