Manchester City and England striker Ellen White has announced her retirement from football at the age of 33 after helping the Lionesses win Euro 2022 in the summer.
White shared the news on social media and said it had been “one of the hardest decisions” of his life, but insisted it was “time to watch the next generation shine”. She retires as the Lionesses’ all-time leading scorer with 52 goals.
“It was one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I know it’s the right decision for me,” White said.
“This decision has always been one I wanted to make on my terms. And it’s time for me to say goodbye to football and watch the next generation shine.
“It has been my greatest honor and privilege to play this game. In particular, playing for England has been and always will be the greatest gift.
“My dreams came true on July 31, to win the Euros and become European champion.
“I have been very lucky to have played for several teams during my career. It has been a huge honor to have represented some of the biggest clubs in England and to have worn the shirt and created incredible memories .
“Thank you to all the clubs who gave me the opportunity to be part of your football club.
England’s Ellen White has announced her retirement from football after winning Euro 2022
White thanked ‘football’ in a lengthy message shared with his Twitter followers
White’s statement ended with a call for greater supply and inclusion in English football
“Thank you to the managers I worked for.
“Your guidance, patience, knowledge and belief in me have helped give me the confidence to make my wildest dreams come true.
“The hours on and off the pitch don’t go unnoticed and I’m incredibly grateful and will always remember the good times.”
She also managed 18 goals in 43 appearances for Manchester City in the WSL over three years
She finished second in the WSL with City in 2020-21, ending the campaign with 10 goals
England manager Sarina Wiegman said: “Ellen has given so much for England and we are all so proud of her.” I’ve only had the pleasure of working with her for a year, but her professionalism, work rate and finishing ability are world class.
“This summer she has done an incredible job for the team, she is the perfect team player and has helped young players find their way into international football.
“I already knew she was a great player, but I found an even better person. She will be missed, but I fully understand her decision to move in a new direction.
White pulls just one goal off Wayne Rooney’s all-time England record of 53
Former England manager Hope Powell meanwhile said: “Ellen has had such a wonderful career and I’m proud of the small part I played when I gave Ellen her first England cap. in 2010 when she scored in our win over Austria.”
“I have worked with few players as selfless and dedicated as Ellen.
“These qualities and many more have helped her to give so much to the game, both internationally and domestically, and to maintain such high standards.”
“I was thrilled like the rest of the country when the Lionesses won the Euros last month, but especially for Ellen it was a fitting way for her to sign helping England make history.”
“I hope she will continue to play a role in the development of women’s football.
“She has so much to offer because of her experience and her qualities as a person. Whatever she does, I’m sure she will succeed and I wish her the best for the future.
After spending time in Arsenal’s youth training, White joined Chelsea aged 16 and played for the club for three seasons before joining Leeds United, where she won the Premier League Cup in 2010. .
White ends his England career with two hat-tricks, including one in a 20-goal loss to Latvia
Later that year she joined Arsenal and won two WSL league titles, two FA Cups and three Continental League Cups. She spent three years with Notts County between 2013 and 2016 before joining Birmingham City in 2017. Finally, White signed for Manchester City after the 2019 World Cup and won the 2019-20 FA Cup and FA Cup. Continental League last season.
The striker made her England debut in March 2010 and scored a last-minute goal to help England beat Austria 3-0. She was selected for the 2011 World Cup and went on to play in six major tournaments for the Lionesses.
Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA’s director of women’s football, hailed White as a “legend of the modern game”.
The 33-year-old’s two WSL titles came at Arsenal, winning back-to-back in 2011 and 2012
She said: “Ellen White will be long remembered as a role model for others to follow. It’s not just about her record 52 goals and performance on the pitch, but also the standards she has set for herself and the way she carries herself.
“A true leader of women, she was never about Ellen White – even when she was scoring crucial goals or giving her all she was always team first. She is a legend of the modern game.
The FA plan to recognize White’s career at one of England’s autumn home fixtures. They face Luxembourg on September 6 and the United States on October 8.
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