Chelsea and England legend Millie Bright announces retirement | OneFootball

Millie Bright (Chelsea FC)

Chelsea club captain Millie Bright has announced her retirement.

The defender has been absent through injury for some weeks, and with only two games left of the season, she has confirmed that she will not play another game for the Blues.

In an open letter to supporters, released on Wednesday morning, Bright said: “I’ve given everything I could on the pitch. I can’t physically give any more.

“I feel like I need to look after myself now, and I’m ready to give back to the club in a different way. I’ve seen so many people I care about pass away over the last couple of years, and I think I need to learn to live a little and appreciate life a little bit more.”

Bright had already retired from international football last year, missing out on the 2025 Euros win with England having been a crucial part of the 2022 victory, and captaining the Lionesses to the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in the absence of Leah Williamson.

She added: “I’m ready to go into a new era. Representing my club and wearing the Three Lions for my country has been everything to me and beyond my wildest dreams, but I’m now ready to say goodbye to playing football. I’ll always be England and Chelsea’s biggest fan.”

Chelsea have confirmed that she will remain involved with the club as an ambassador and trustee of the foundation.

Millie Bright has inspired so many, says Sarina Wiegman

England head coach Sarina Wiegman paid tribute to Bright’s contributions to club and country, saying: “Millie has played such a big role in the growth of the women’s game, with both England and Chelsea, and she has achieved so much along the way. What she has given to her club and country is incredible.

“It is hard to put into words the impact she has had. She has inspired so many people, pushed standards and shown girls and boys what can be achieved in the sport.

“Winning Euro 2022 and captaining England to the World Cup Final in Australia says so much about her, but it is not just about the trophies with club and country. She has also earned great respect through the way she has committed herself to the game.

“We look forward to welcoming her to a home game in the near future and recognising her outstanding contribution to the sport. I wish her all the very best for what comes next.”