(Football news) England striker and Euro 2022 winner Ellen White has announced her retirement from football at the age of 33. She was an integral part of the Lionesses set up in the European Championship, starting every game and scoring two goals to take her tally to 52 goals in 113 caps. She has represented England at the European Championships and three World Cups. At the domestic level, White has won the Women’s Super League and the FA Cup twice with Arsenal before winning the FA Cup with Manchester City in 2020. Despite having a two year contract with City, she will not be seeing it through after the announcement of her retirement.

In a statement released on Twitter, White said “This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life but one that I know is the right decision for me. This 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. It has been my greatest honour and privilege to play this game. In particular playing for England has and always will be the greatest gift. My dreams came true on the 31st July, winning The Euros and becoming a European Champion. I have been very lucky to have played for a number of teams in my career. It has been a huge honour to have represented some of the biggest clubs in England and to have worn the shirt and created some unbelievable memories. Thank you to all the clubs that have given me the opportunity to be a part of your football club."

Speaking about White’s retirement, England manager Sarina Wiegman said “Ellen has given so much for England and we are all so proud of her. I have only had the pleasure of working with her for this past year, but her professionalism, work rate and finishing ability is world-class. This summer, she did an amazing job for the team, she is the perfect team player and helped the younger players to find their way in international football. I already knew she was a great player but I found an even better person. We will miss her, but I fully understand her decision to take a new direction." 

Baroness Sue Campbell, The FA's director of women's football, added: "Ellen White will long be remembered as a model for others to follow. It is not just about her record-breaking 52 goals and performances on the pitch, but about the standards she set and the way she conducts herself. A true leader of women, it has never been about Ellen White for her – even when she was scoring the crucial goals or giving everything she had, it was always the team first. She is a legend of the modern game." 

White has always been a team player for both club and country and has shown great resilience time and again to bounce back from dips in form with utmost professionalism. Her retirement announcement comes two weeks before England’s match against Luxembourg in the final World Cup qualifiers. White leaves behind a legacy as one of England’s greatest ever players, who finished as joint top scorer at the 2019 World Cup and a player who won numerous trophies both domestically and internationally. She has undoubtedly inspired the future generations, especially girls, to take up football professionally and pursue excellence in the field.

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