Former England forward Duggan announces retirement | OneFootball

Former England forward Toni Duggan has announced her retirement from playing professional football at the age of 33.

WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official press release from End to End Media this morning.

Duggan has enjoyed a 17-year senior playing career which started and finished with spells with her beloved Everton. The player was an Adobe Women’s FA Cup and Women’s League Cup winner in her first spell with The Blue Girls while she was a relaible option for the club upon her return to Merseyside in 2021.

The forward has also spent time with Manchester City, FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid in her professional career. She was a member of the Manchester City side that dominated English football between 2016 and 2017 while her spell with FC Barcelona saw her win European club football’s top prize, the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

On the international stage, Duggan was capped by England on 79 occasions while she scored 22 goals for her country. The player was a FIFA Women’s World Cup Bronze Medalist with the Lionesses in 2015 before winning the SheBelieves Cup with England in 2019.

Announcing her retirement, Duggan said “Football. Where do I begin? Toni Duggan was a little girl with two plaits playing shooties on the streets of Everton with a dream. An impossible dream that became possible. This is thanks to the women that came before, by team-mates, coaches, support staff, media, fans and every single person that has been on this journey to make women’s football what it is now.

“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. League titles, domestic cups and a Champions League final – I was fortunate enough to win silverware with all four clubs I represented – Everton, Manchester City, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid

“The greatest honour came representing my country. Wearing the England shirt meant more to me than anything else, and to have worn it 79 times, competing in two World Cups and two European Championships, is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

“Football has given me a life I could never have imagined, and I am truly thankful to everybody that played their part in making it all possible.”

Duggan made her decision to retire after leaving Everton at the end of last season.