Khaldoon Al Mubarak pays tribute to Man City 'legend' Steph Houghton

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak paid tribute to departing women's team captain Steph Houghton, describing her as a "legend" who will always be part of the club's history.

In March, Houghton, 36, announced she would retire at the end of the season and played her last game for the club on May 18, coming on as a second-half substitute in City's final Women's Super League (WSL) game against Aston Villa.

It brought down the curtain on a glittering career that saw the defender win the WSL title, four Women's Cups and five WSL Cups in City's colours. Arriving from Arsenal in 2013 following back-to-back WSL titles, she retires as Manchester City women's record appearance holder (138) and with 121 England caps.

In the second part of an annual end-of-season review, conducted in Abu Dhabi last Saturday, Al Mubarak told City's website that Houghton's contribution to the women's game was hard to measure.

“Steph has been a tremendous leader for our club, for the team. She's one of the most decorated players in England. Thank you, Steph, for everything you've done for us. And delighted that you will always be part of this club," the City chairman said.

"You are a legend and a leader. And, as this women's team and women's football continues to evolve, your role will never be forgotten. There's going to be a special mosaic for Steph in our new women's team training facility, which will be unveiled soon. And, I'm very excited for Steph and of course, for our women's team to have their new facilities.”

Thank you for everything, captain