Manchester City star and former England captain Steph Houghton to retire at end of season

Manchester City star and former England captain Steph Houghton is set to retire at the end of the season, she has announced.

The 35-year-old defender posted the news in a statement on her website, saying it was a 'difficult' decision but 'age comes to every player'. She added she 'remains focused on giving everything I have' as Manchester City aim for their second WSL title over the next few months.

Houghton has won 121 caps for the Lionesses, making her England debut in 2007 and last featuring in 2021. She has also represented Sunderland, Leeds, and Arsenal before moving to her current club Manchester City.

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She said on her official website: “There is no easy way to say it, but I am retiring from football at the end of the current WSL season.

“Taking the decision to retire, is such a difficult thing to do. Whilst age comes to every player, it makes it no easier having to say the words out loud. Football has been my life; my passion and I have loved the career I have had.

“I would like to thank every team-mate I have ever played with, I have continued to learn every day and appreciate the support each has given me and the friendships I have made along the way.

“To my managers, coaches and all the staff that I have worked with and under, I appreciate the time, effort and work you have dedicated to improving my game and the standards of women’s football.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to represent Sunderland, Leeds Utd, Arsenal and to have been on the incredible journey that I have been on, with Manchester City over the past 10 years.

“I will always be humbled to have made so many domestic appearances, to have