Manchester City and England Women goalkeeper Karen Bardsley has retired from professional football.
The 37-year-old picked up 82 caps for her country and has called it a day after a lengthened spell on the sidelines.
England Women Goalkeeper Karen Bardsley Retires
Career Stretches 20 Years
Bardsley played her last game for Manchester City in January 2021. She has been on an enforced break through injury and will not return.
In her career, she managed to win a Women’s Super League title, four League Cup’s and three FA Cup’s – all with Manchester City.
With England, Bardsley has been part of a third-place side at the World Cup in 2015 and runner-up at the Euros in 2009.
Born in the United States, Bardsley spent the early part of her career across the pond before joining Lincoln (now Notts County after relocation). After a short stint there, she would move to Manchester City and become part of one of the most successful women’s teams in the country.
Tough Decision
On her retirement, Bardsley told mancity.com: “It was obviously a pretty tough decision for me to make, but after a lot of deliberation and unfortunately being away from the pitch for quite a while now due to injury, it just felt like it was the right moment.
“As sad and strange as it is to be stepping away from something I’ve committed my entire young adult life to, ultimately it’s something I feel really proud and I can honestly say, hand on heart, that I’ve left no stone unturned and I have no regrets about how I’ve applied myself and what I’ve achieved.
“I feel incredibly proud of my career, but ultimately I’m really excited about the next steps and what is to come in the future, and I’m just very much looking forward to giving back to the football community in many other ways.”
Manchester City say Bardsley will be honoured at their game v Birmingham City Women on Wednesday night.
Main Photo
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