Manchester City will honour midfielder Jill Scott, who is leaving the club after eight-and-a-half years, as key figures at the Etihad crowned her a club legend.
Scott, 35, will depart City Women this summer at the end of her contract, and the club have announced plans to honour her service next season at a game that will see fans show their appreciation for the no.8.
Since joining in 2013, England international Scott has made 194 appearances for City, helping the Women's team to eight major trophies including three Women's FA Cups and one Women's Super League title. She spent the second half of the 2021/22 season on loan at Aston Villa, following on from a spell at Everton the season before.
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Scott's contribution at City stretched far beyond the Academy Stadium pitch - and even as far as her local coffee shop - with club Chief Football Operations Manager Omar Berrada paying tribute to the midfielder.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to have had Jill, a player who has done so much for the women’s game as a whole, here at Manchester City for the past eight seasons," he said.
“She has played a hugely influential part in our women’s team’s various successes during that time, but has also endeared herself to everybody at the club as well – she is one of football's finest characters and we’re incredibly proud to have had her represent us for such a length of time.
"Jill has firmly written her name into our history books for what she has achieved and on behalf of everybody here, we’d like to wish her all the best in the future, wherever her next step in the game may take her.”
Scott said: “In a way, I never thought I'd be here saying goodbye to Manchester City, but all good things come to an end eventually and I’ve had so many amazing memories along the way. It’s been a real journey over the last eight or so years – I remember sitting down and hearing the plans of what the club were going to do, and I was so excited to be a part of that.
“Looking back at what we’ve achieved in that time in terms of trophies and generally as a team, I can’t really believe it. I’m forever grateful that I’ve been surrounded by such talented players and coaching staff who have enabled me to develop and grow as a player. I’d like to say a massive thank you to our supporters too – they’ve just been incredible, especially for me personally, and I feel as though we’ve built a special relationship over the years.
“I’m sure we’ll stay in touch wherever my next step takes me and they know, as with so many people at City, that they’re always welcome for a coffee!”
City Women Managing Director, Gavin Makel, crowned Scott a club legend, saying: “It has been an honour and a privilege to have had Jill at the club for the past eight-and-a-half years. From the initial meeting I had with her back in 2013, her passion for the game was clear to see from the outset and it has been such a pleasure to watch her grow into one of English football's biggest names and personalities.
“She joined us at the start of our journey as a professional outfit and has made an undeniable impact on Manchester City as a whole during her time here, both on and off the pitch, with her infectious enthusiasm to want to develop whilst helping others along the way ensuring that she is now a true role model for the women’s game.
“She has deservedly earned her place in the club’s folklore, and we wish her all the success for the future.”
Head Coach Gareth Taylor added: “Playing 194 games for one club is an incredible achievement, and Jill has played a crucial part in so many of the team’s successes over the years alongside making such a difference to the game as a whole. Her dedication and commitment to this club both on and off the pitch is testament to her character and she leaves Manchester City with legend status and the gratitude of everybody here for her contributions.”
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