She Kicks Magazine
·18 September 2024
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Yahoo sportsShe Kicks Magazine
·18 September 2024
Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
Toni Duggan, capped 79 times by the Lionesses, has announced her retirement from professional football.
She helped England to a third-place finish at the 2015 World Cup, then the semi-finals of the 2019 edition and 2017 EUROs.
Starting and ending her club career at Everton, she also played for Manchester City, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, winning a total of ten major trophies.
Duggan told englandfootball.com: “As I announce my retirement from professional football today, I am immensely proud of the part that I have played alongside those people; the passion, dedication, sacrifices and determination to provide more opportunities for girls and prove that football is a sport for everyone.
“I gave it my everything, on and off the pitch. From Everton Park to Wembley Stadium and everywhere in between, I sit here today looking back on my club career with satisfaction and pride.
“The decision to retire wasn’t an easy one. Football has given me some of the best days of my life, and I had opportunities to continue playing all over the world. However, for me, now feels like the right time to step away, a decision made easier with a special little girl by my side—my daughter, Luella.
“I now move into the next phase of my life – a little scary but also exciting. Whilst my main priority is supporting Luella, I am open to the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I hope I can still be involved in the game in some capacity, and I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of women’s football.”