Eniola Aluko former England, Chelsea, and Juventus striker has retired.
Eniola who is of Nigerian decent won more than 100 caps for England scoring 33 goals in a successful career.
She was part of the Great Britain team in the London 2012 Olympics.
“Thank you football for everything you’ve given and taught me,” said Aluko on Twitter. “Thanks for the full circle moments and crazy unexpected journey.”
My dear friend football, it's time to hang up my boots and retire as a professional footballer. Thankyou football for everything you've given and taught me. Thanks for the full circle moments & crazy unexpected journey.
Full letter⬇️https://t.co/UWOyO2nP8B
📸 @PlayersTribune pic.twitter.com/jwj6HtHWic
— Eniola Aluko (@EniAlu) January 15, 2020
She last featured for England in 2016. In the same year she made allegations of misconduct against then England boss Mark Sampson.
She got an apology from the English FA for discriminatory remarks that Sampson made against her in 2017 but she never again wore the English Jersey.
Writing in The Players’ Tribune, Aluko penned a “thank you letter” to football for the experiences it had given her during a playing career which began with Birmingham City in 2001.
“You have given me the dream of playing in the US, the pride of representing England, the thrill of winning titles with Chelsea, the adventure of playing for Juventus in Italy,” she said.
“Whenever I have faced obstacles, you have shattered them. Whenever I have had great expectations, you have exceeded them.”
Her younger brother Sone who plays for Reading commented that her sister was “contented” with her career.
“There are a few things I did not achieve, but I know I can’t have it all,” said Aluko, who has also worked as a television pundit in the latter years of her playing career. “I took the hardest option every time, and I think I have been rewarded for it.
“I honestly believe women’s football will continue to hit an even higher level in the next few years. I want to do my part to make sure that happens.”
Aluko in two spells with Chelsea won two Women’s Super League titles and two FA Cups. She joined Juventus in 2018 and helped them retain their League title, won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa.
During her brief travel to the U.S, she played for Women’s Professional Soccer clubs St Louis Athletica, Atlanta Beat and Sky Blue FC between 2009 and 2011.
She was also at Charlton between her Birmingham City and Chelsea spells.
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