Ex-England captain Steph Houghton to retire

The 2023-24 Women’s Super League season will mark the end of the career of England icon Steph Houghton. She is currently a Manchester City defender and a former captain of England’s national soccer team.

At 35 years old, Houghton is one of the players on City‘s championship-contending team. She also holds the record for most appearances for the Citizens. But despite her 121 caps, Houghton hasn’t cracked the ice with England since 2021.

“There is no easy way to say it, but I am retiring from football at the end of the current WSL season”, . “Taking the decision to retire is such a difficult thing to do. Whilst age comes to every player, it makes it no easier having to say the words out loud. Football has been my life; my passion and I have loved the career I have had.

“My biggest thanks, appreciation and love belongs to my husband and inspiration, Stephen, my mam, my dad, my brother Stuart, the rest of my family, Matthew Buck, and all my closest friends for your love, guidance, understanding and support – it has been my constant.”

Club comments on leader’s legacy

City coach Gareth Taylor has praised her, calling her an “icon” who will make a tremendous impression on the sport of soccer.

“Steph has lived and breathed football for such a long time, and she leaves it in the strongest place it has ever been – a true testament to her leadership, hard work, talent, and dedication. I feel incredibly privileged to have been able to work with her since 2020 and know her name will be written into the history books as a true footballing great.

“Steph will excel in whatever she puts her mind to, and on behalf of everyone here at Manchester City, I’d like to express our immense gratitude and wish Steph all the very best for the future.”

Steph Houghton leaves her mark on women’s soccer in England

Houghton debuted for England on March 8, 2007, in Milton Keynes, against Russia. In 2009, when the sport first…

Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/more-than-iconic-ex-england-captain-steph-houghton-to-retire

Author : Martina Alcheva

Publish date : 2024-03-28 21:36:20

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