Former England defender Abbie McManus has announced her retirement from professional football at the age of 30.
The player announced the news via a post on her personal Instagram account this evening.
McManus has made the decision to hang up her boots after breaking her leg in January. The player has attempted to make her comeback but has felt pain when kicking a ball.
The defender has enjoyed a 14-year senior playing career which has seen her enjoy two spells with Manchester City while she has also represented Sheffield FC, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City. In her second spell at Manchester City, McManus was a member of a side which held all three domestic trophies while the club also reached the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals.
On the international stage, McManus was capped by England on 18 occasions at senior level. She won the SheBelieves Cup with the Lionesses in 2019 and represented her country at the FIFA Women’s World Cup that summer.
Announcing her retirement, McManus said “It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from professional football. Since breaking my leg in January, there have been many ups and downs with the biggest down being I can’t kick a ball without pain.
“If you know me, you can imagine the tears pouring down my face whilst writing this; football has been such a massive part of my life and I truly believe it’s taught me so much and moulded me into the person I am today. Great memories made and friendships to last a lifetime.
“To achieve what I have done in my career is still all so crazy and a dream come true for me. Winning everything domestically and representing England in a World Cup is something I will never forget. If any little girl or boy is reading this, I want you to know if you want to be a footballer, you can do anything you put your mind to. I couldn’t have done any of it without my amazing family and friends, I am so lucky to have a support network around me like I do.
“Thank you to each club, my country and to the fans. It’s been an unforgettable journey and one I’ll cherish forever.”
McManus hangs up her boots after making more than 250 appearances in all competitions at club and international levels.
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