Manchester City star Laura Coombs announces retirement | OneFootball

Laura Coombs of Manchester City Women scores the second goal

Manchester United Women v Manchester City Women FA WSL football match, Leigh Sports Village, Leigh, UK – 14 Nov 2020

Photo: Lynne Cameron for The FA

Manchester City’s versatile veteran Laura Coombs has announced that she will retire from professional football at the end of this season.

Now 35 years old, she signed for Manchester City in June 2019, and has since made 147 appearances in all competitions.

She was also part of the England squad that reached the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, and has received seven senior caps altogether.

So far, she has won a Women’s FA Cup and a League Cup with City.

“I’m so excited to be a fan of this team in the future,” Coombs said in a statement issued to press. “What they’re trying to build here, I think it’s incredible.

“The way Manchester City are putting our women’s team in a position to really go on and be successful long-term is so exciting. I’m very glad I got to play a part in that and I’m very excited to watch in the future.”

Jeglertz and Wiegman pay tribute to Laura Coombs

City’s head coach Andree Jeglertz paid tribute to her contributions, saying: “From a coach’s perspective, Laura is a dream to work with. She has brought focus, tactical awareness, and an incredible work ethic every single day. Players like Laura give you trust — you know exactly what you will get, and it is always at a high level.

“Her influence goes far beyond her performances; she has helped shape strong team cultures wherever she has been.”

England head coach Sarina Wiegman also had plenty of praise for Coombs, saying: “Laura’s contribution to the game has been significant, and she can be very proud of everything she has achieved, both with England and her success in the domestic game.

“Representing your country at different stages of the pathway is a special achievement, and Laura’s journey through the development teams to being part of the World Cup squad in 2023 says a lot about her qualities and her character.

“In my time working with her, Laura always demonstrated the values of what it means to be a Lioness and made a big contribution to the team at an important time.

“I wish her well for the next chapter of her career and thank her for everything she has given to the game. We hope to celebrate Laura’s career at an England match in the near future.”