Liverpool defender Gilly Flaherty has announced her retirement from football just weeks after becoming the Women's Super League's record appearance holder.
The 31-year-old made her senior debut for Arsenal at the age of 15, helping the Gunners to back-to-back league titles before securing another two WSL trophies with Chelsea.
She then enjoyed a successful spell as captain of West Ham before joining the Reds in last summer's transfer window. It was while playing for Liverpool that Flaherty broke Lioness Jill Scott’s WSL appearance record by notching her 176th league appearance against Brighton in November.
READ MORE: Opening day delight, Anfield disappointment and Conti Cup triumphs - Liverpool Women's season so far
READ MORE: Talented Chelsea youngster set for Liverpool exit as loan spell cut short
The defender made her final professional appearance as a second half substitute in the Continental League Cup against Manchester City last month, however she has now decided to step away from her playing career for family reasons.
In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, Flaherty said: “I’ve taken the decision to retire from professional football. It isn’t a decision I’ve taken lightly but one I’ve reached after speaking with those closest to me.
“Losing my dad just before Christmas has left me heartbroken – for 22 years we shared our love of football and playing wise I don’t want to carry on without him by my side. Playing wise I know the right decision is for me to call it a day. The time is right for me to be around my family and to be nearest to those closest to me.
“I want to thank Liverpool, especially Beardy and Russ (Fraser) for bringing me to the club. I’d also like to thank the Liverpool fans for supporting me and taking me in. Even though it has not been a finished journey I’d like to think the fans saw commitment and dedication to the badge from me and I gave 110% in every game.
“I also wish to thank the players for being there for me throughout my time at the club and I wish them nothing but success for the rest of the season.”
Flaherty retires having well and truly written herself into the annals of women's football history. In 2011, she scored WSL's first ever goal and has amassed four WSL titles, seven Women’s FA Cup wins and a UEFA Cup win during her career.
The 31-year-old added: “I’d like to thank all the managers I’ve played under, from beginning at Millwall, through Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham and now Liverpool.
“And to all the former teammates I’ve ever had the pleasure to share a field with and the professionals I’ve played against on a weekly basis.
“I’m grateful to have been part of an era before we turned pro, where we had to work as well as play football. It’s been an honour to have been there from the very beginning, to have committed my whole career to English football and to the WSL for the past 11 or 12 years.
“To have witnessed the growth and be a part of that has been truly special. Hopefully I’ve had a positive effect on many of those I’ve met in the dressing rooms, training pitches and stadiums along this wonderful journey."
Liverpool manager Matt Beard worked with Flaherty at West Ham before bringing her experience to the Reds as they came back into the WSL at the start of the season.
He said: “I’d just like to offer huge congratulations to Gilly on a wonderful career. “She’s achieved everything there is to achieve in the domestic game.
“We just wish her every success in all her future endeavours.”
Win a pair of tickets to the Premier League or Women's Super League match of your choosing! Enter HERE
READ NEXT:
- Nicoline Sorensen lifts lid on Everton hope after making 'unreal' Women's Super League return
- Everton's Lucy Graham gives Brian Sorensen assessment ahead of winter break
- Gilly Flaherty lifts lid on mental health battle, Jill Scott message and Liverpool aim
Gemma Bonner returns to Liverpool in 'emotional' signing after four years away
New identity, Anfield glory and cup disappointment - Everton Women's season so far
