Former England captain Steph Houghton has announced his intention to retire at the end of this season.
The 35-year-old defender, who won 121 caps for the Lionesses, is hoping to finish her career by winning the Women’s Super League title with Manchester City.
Houghton started playing for Sunderland in 2002 and also represented Leeds and Arsenal before moving to City 10 years ago. She made her debut for England in 2007, but her last appearance was in 2021 as her injury ruled her out of the squad for the title-winning Euro 2022.
She said on her official website: “It’s not easy for me to say this, but I will be retiring from football at the end of the current WSL season. The decision to retire is a very difficult one. Age comes with every player, but saying the words out loud is… It’s never been easy. Football has been my life. I’ve loved my passion and my career so far.
“I would like to thank all my teammates that I have played with along the way. I continue to learn every day and am grateful for the support each of them has given me and the friendships I have made along the way. My managers, coaches, and To all the staff I have worked with and under, I would like to thank you for the time, effort and effort you have dedicated to improving the standards of my game and women’s football. .
“It has been an honor and privilege to have represented Sunderland, Leeds United and Arsenal and to have been part of the incredible journey we have taken with Manchester City over the past 10 years. I will always be humbled to have captained my country and represented England and the British team in so many international tournaments. I will always be proud of everything I have achieved in the game. I am.
“I’m excited about what happens next, but in the meantime I remain focused on giving Manchester City everything I have left over the next two months.”
Houghton won the league twice with Arsenal and is targeting a second WSL title with City.
city head coach Gareth Taylor “Steph is, without a doubt, an icon of the game. Although her professional career on the pitch is now over, her legacy will be felt for many years to come. It has paved the way for many people to succeed in the future.
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“Steph has lived and breathed soccer for a very long time and has left soccer in the strongest place it has ever been. This is a true testament to her leadership, hard work, talent and dedication. 2020 It has been an honor to have worked with her since then and to have her name etched in the history books as a true football great.
“Steph excels in whatever he sets his mind to. On behalf of everyone here at Manchester City, I would like to express our huge gratitude and wish Steph all the best in his future endeavors. think.”
