Former Manchester United and England goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain has today called time on her playing career.
The 37-year-old has represented a plethora of clubs including Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Notts County and most recently Manchester United. The former England number one even had a spell across the pond where she briefly represented Canadian side Vancouver Whitecaps.
Chamberlain hasn’t played since taking an extended break away from the game to give birth to her first child. It appears that her break will be much more permanent than initially intended. The keeper’s last game was Manchester United’s 7-0 victory over Crystal Palace which secured the 2018/2019 FA Women’s Champions title for Casey Stoney’s side.
The player’s decision to retire was revealed in an article posted on her personal blog earlier today. Chamberlain said “Retiring from professional football is something that I knew I would have to consider, but also something that I just couldn’t bring myself to think about.
“From the moment I became pregnant with Emilia, my sights were firmly set on returning to play. I wanted to prove to myself more than anyone that I could still play at the top level.
“Of course, retiring immediately back in August 2019 was an option, but I simply wasn’t ready to walk away from the game that I’ve spent a life time sacrificing things for.
“The truth is, even today writing this, I’m still not ready to walk away and that’s why doing so is the hardest decision I’ve faced.”
The Londoner has gone on to represent the national side 50 times over her illustrious career and even helped the team claim their Bronze Medal at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015. She was also a runner-up with the Lionesses at the UEFA Women’s EURO in 2009.
The now former goalkeeper will be using her time away from the game to spend time with her family as well as pursuing her Masters Degree in Sporting Directorship but I doubt this will be the last we see of Chamberlain in the footballing world.
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