Ellen White shares emotional statement as Lionesses hero announces retirement | Football | Sport

Lionesses hero and Euro 2022 winner Ellen White has announced her retirement from football at the age of 33. The England and Manchester City striker released an emotional statement on social media confirming her decision as she called on the next generation of female footballers to knuckle down and keep believing. 

White made her England debut way back in 2010 and was a fundamental part of the team that beat Germany in the final to win the Euros at Wembley this summer. That was her tenth major tournament for the Lionesses and, with 52 international goals to her name, she currently sets the benchmark in the women’s all-time charts. 

The veteran striker started all of England’s games at this summer’s Championships, scoring twice against Norway and putting in a fine performance in the final. At club level, White has turned out for Chelsea, Leeds, Arsenal, Notts County, Birmingham City and most recently Man City. 

“This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life but one that I know is the right decision for me,” she wrote. “The decision has always been one I have wanted to make on my terms. And this is my time to say goodbye to football and watch the next generation shine.

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With White’s decision announced on Monday afternoon, current Man City W.F.C boss Gareth Taylor was among those to pay tribute. “Ellen is without doubt an icon of the game, and although her career is now at its end, her efforts have paved the way for so many to flourish in the future,” he told the club’s official website. 

“Whatever her next steps are, on behalf of everyone here at Manchester City, I’d like to express our immense gratitude to her and wish her all the very best for the future.”