Soccer Aid 2022: Former Arsenal star Anita Asante to represent England

Former England international Anita Asante will come out of retirement for one special appearance this summer as she prepares to represent her country at Soccer Aid for UNICEF.

The defender hung up her boots at the end of the 2021/22 Women’s Super League season, calling time on a glittering football career that saw her amass 71 caps for the Lionesses and win an abundance of domestic trophies in both England and Sweden.

Asante spoke with GiveMeSport Women about featuring in her first ever Soccer Aid for UNICEF tournament, where she will join the likes of former international teammate Fara Williams and West Ham legend Mark Noble, who will also retire at the end of this season.

The former Lioness enjoyed some astonishing moments throughout her career, most notably, helping Arsenal achieve their unprecedented quadruple-winning season in 2007.

Of course, professional footballers cannot feature at Soccer Aid for UNICEF if they are still an active player, so this is an exciting first opportunity for Asante and she can’t wait to get stuck into the action.

“I thought I was retiring but then I was like ‘nope, I’ve got one more game to boot up for,'” the former Arsenal and Chelsea star laughed.

“It’s a great cause, this is going to inspire so many young children globally [and help them] get the support that they deserve, have fun, play and experience these things within sports. But also improve their lives as well in terms of nutrition and just having the basic resources for them to thrive.

“It’s a great privilege to be part of it and to experience it with other people who want to make a difference and bring exposure to this cause as well.”

Asante will join a star-studded England team looking to bag their first Soccer Aid for