Calling it quits: Aston Villa defender Anita Asante will end her illustrious playing career next month
(Picture: The FA via Getty Images)Former England, Arsenal and Chelsea defender Anita Asante has announced she will retire at the end of the season.
Asante, who now plays for Aston Villa, featured 71 times for England, including in two World Cups, and also represented Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics.
The defender started her career at Arsenal before joining Chelsea and then moving abroad, playing for three years in the United States.
She announced her decision to retire a day before her 37th birthday.
Asante said on Twitter: "On the eve of my 37th birthday, it’s time to announce my retirement from football at the end of the season.
On the eve of my 37th birthday, it's time to announce my retirement from football at the end of the season!
— Anita Asante (@NicenNeetz) April 26, 2022
I want to thank my family, team-mates, managers, fans & all the clubs I have played for.
To say it's been a privilege is an understatement. It's been a dream❤️ #ThisGame pic.twitter.com/8WDKIZXdan
"I want to thank my family, team-mates, managers, fans and all the clubs I have played for.
"To say it’s been a privilege is an understatement. It’s been a dream."
Asante won five league titles and four FA Cups during her time at Arsenal between 2003 and 2008.
She made her senior England debut against Iceland in 2004, after captaining the Under-19s, and went on to play in five major tournaments.
Asante will finish out the season with Villa, facing her former club Arsenal this weekend.
Her final game is set to be against rivals Birmingham City in the Women’s Super League (WSL) on May 8.
