Retirement was ‘no easy’ decision for Houghton
Former England captain Steph Houghton has announced her intention to retire at the end of the season.
The 35-year-old defender, who won 121 caps for the Lionesses, hopes to see out her career by winning the 2023-24 Women’s Super League title with Manchester City.
Houghton began playing for Sunderland in 2002 and also represented Leeds and Arsenal before moving to City 10 years ago. She made her England debut in 2007 and last featured in 2021 as injury ruled her out of the title-winning Euro 2022 squad.
She said on her official website: “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.
“It has been an honour to represent Sunderland, Leeds Utd, Arsenal and to have been on the incredible journey that I have been on, with Manchester City over the past 10 years. I will always be humbled to have made so many domestic appearances, to have captained my country and to have represented England and Team GB in so many international tournaments. I will always be very proud of everything that I have achieved in the game.
“I am excited for whatever comes next but, in the meantime, I remain focused on giving everything I have left for Manchester City, over the next two months.”
Houghton is gunning for a second WSL title with City, having also won the league twice with Arsenal. City head coach Gareth Taylor said: “Steph is without question an icon of the game. Although her professional career on the pitch is now coming to an end, her legacy will be felt for so many years to come. She’s paved the way for so many to thrive in the future.”