England, Chelsea defender Millie Bright retires from soccer because of injuries

LONDON (AP) — Former England defender Millie Bright announced her retirement from soccer with immediate effect at the age of 32 on Wednesday after “playing injured for the last six years.”

“I’m tired. I’m just a human,” Bright said in an emotional video posted by Chelsea, her club since 2014.

Bright, who hasn’t played for Chelsea since February because of an ankle problem, withdrew herself from selection for last year’s European Championship — won by England — for mental and physical health reasons.

She played 88 times for England, having a key role in the national team’s title-winning campaign at Euro 2022, and won eight league titles with Chelsea.

Chelsea said Bright will remain part of the club as a trustee of its foundation and as a club ambassador.

“I’m ready to venture off into life and to do bigger things with the club, and to do that is really, really special to me,” she said. “You might losing me on the pitch but you’re certainly not losing me as being a part of Chelsea.”

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

England, Chelsea defender Millie Bright retires from soccer because of injuries | iNFOnews.ca
FILE – England’s Millie Bright laughs during a press conference ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr, file)

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.