Manchester City Women and England striker Ellen White has announced her retirement from football at the age of 33. White made the shock announcement via her social media channels on Monday afternoon, bringing an end to a glittering career that has spanned over 17 years.
England's all-time leading goal-scorer joined City in the summer of 2019 and scored 34 goals in 90 games in all competitions for the Blues. She played a key role in a successful period for the club, helping City to win the Women's FA Cup in 2019/20 before captaining the side to FA WSL Cup glory last season.
White also enjoyed spells at Chelsea, Leeds Carnegie, Arsenal, Notts County and Birmingham City before moving up to Manchester, and in 2021 she became the then-record goal-scorer in Women's Super League history.
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However, her greatest achievement is undoubtedly winning the 2022 Women's European Championship with England. The striker started all six of the Lionesses' games including the final at Wembley, in which England defeated Germany 2-1 to win a first-ever major trophy.
White scored twice at the tournament, a brace in the 8-0 thrashing of Norway which took her final international goal tally to 52 in 113 caps, making her England's all-time record women’s goalscorer and second overall to Wayne Rooney.
White did not return to pre-season training at City with her teammates, and now 22 days after the Euros final at Wembley she has announced her retirement with immediate effect.
"This is my time to say goodbye to football and watch the next generation shine," White wrote in her statement.
"This is for the next generation and potentially the next Lioness. You don't have to be the best at something to make your dreams come true, just look at me. Hard work, dedication, passion and love for what you do are a great recipe. Don't ever let someone tell you 'you can't do something or achieve your dreams.'
"I was once told I couldn't play in the boys team and that'd I'd never play for England. Go out there and be the very best version of you!"
City head coach Gareth Taylor said of White: "Ellen is without doubt an icon of the game, and although her career is now at its end, her efforts have paved the way for so many to flourish in the future.
"Whatever her next steps are, on behalf of everyone here at Manchester City, I’d like to express our immense gratitude to her and wish her all the very best for the future."
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