England and Manchester City defender Steph Houston has made it clear that she will be hanging her boots at the end of this season. If you didn’t know, the fullback has spent 10 years playing for Man City and made 121 appearances for England.
Steph has played a pivotal role in making football transformative and ensured Women’s football is part of the national conversation. After the announcement, there is a feeling that women’s football will now feel poorer. But wait, what did she say?
What Steph Houghton Said Regarding Her Retirement
Making the announcement, the England star said“ There is no easy way to say it, but I am retiring from football at the end of the current WSL season. Making such a decision is not easy. But since age comes to every player, it makes it no easy to say such words aloud. Football has been my life and my passion. Can’t regret the career I have had”
On the other hand, Manchester City coach, Gareth Taylor added “ Steph without doubt nor question has been an icon. Even though her professional career is now coming to an end, her legacy will live for many years to come. She made way and will enable many emerging stars to thrive in the same career just like she did.”
“She[Steph] has lived and breathed football for such a long time. Luckily, she leaves it in the strongest place it has ever been. That truly signifies her great sense of leadership, hard work, talent, and dedication” Gareth Taylor added.
Also Read: Gareth Southgate Defends John Stones’s Addition to England’s Squad
Highs and Trophies During Steph Houghton’s Career
She began her career in her hometown club, Sunderland, where she played 65 games and scored 24 goals. At that early stage of her career, she helped the club win promotion and also got voted as the FA Young Player of the Year Award 2006-07.
Steph Houghton later moved to Leeds and still made some incredible achievements. She won the FA Women’s Premier League Cup. It didn’t take long before London’s elite club, Arsenal, came knocking for her. Steph’s reputation was rising and could appear for the England team regularly thus boosting her value as well.
To prove her value, in just three years with the Gunners, she won seven trophies for the club. They include Two league titles, two FA Cup titles, and three league cups. She joined Man City in 2014 alongside other international stars like Jill Scott. In 10 years, Steph has won eight major trophies. There is a possibility of adding even more before hanging her boots. It’s indeed a beautiful career story that will live on even after leaving football space.
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About the Author
Reagan is a soccer fanatic who has been following the game since childhood. He loves writing about soccer news, trends, and updates every day. He also enjoys watching soccer during his free time, hence the ease of writing up-to-date content.