England International Duggan Retires Aged 33



Former England forward Toni Duggan says her career has been "more than I could ever have dreamed of" as she announces her retirement from football.

The 33-year-old has enjoyed an incredible career spanning 17 years, amassing 79 caps for her country, as well as playing for some of the world's biggest clubs.

She has played in World Cup semi-finals, Champions League finals and the biggest cup finals in the domestic game.

Football is all she has ever known.

"I saw an old interview. I was 27 and playing in Spain at the time. They asked 'what is your biggest fear?' - and I said 'retirement'," Duggan told BBC Sport.

"It is weird now, sitting here, and today is the day. I’ve been so lucky with the career I’ve had and I’ve loved every single minute.

"I just think it’s made me the person I am. I was a little girl who grew up on the streets of Liverpool who wanted to play football. I wanted to be accepted.

"We had to fight for everything we wanted but when I look back, the journey has just been more than I could ever have dreamed of.

"To everyone who has played their part – family, friends, coaches and everyone involved – thank you."

It is a moment many footballers fear, and while Duggan has no immediate plans, she knows she wants to stay in the game.

Retirement has given Duggan a chance to reflect on her achievements and what has made her most proud.

"I always knew I wanted to play football. [People] said I couldn’t because it wasn’t professional - but I wanted to be a footballer," she added.

"I have been myself all along - that’s what makes me most proud. I was always a winner and wanted to win from the first day I kicked a ball.

"To have those trophies and memories is nice. But the fact I can walk away and say I did it my way, had fun, competed in everything and had great support, just gives me memories to last forever."

Comments