End of an era! Lionesses & Man City legend Steph Houghton announces she will retire from football at the end of the WSL season

The 35-year-old announced that she will hang up her boots at the end of the 2023-24 Women's Super League season. The centre-back has spent 10 years playing for Manchester City and made 121 appearances for England.

The ex-Sunderland, Leeds and Arsenal defender wrote on her personal website: "There is no easy way to say it, but I am retiring from football at the end of the current WSL season.

"Taking the decision to retire, is such a difficult thing to do. Whilst age comes to every player, it makes it no easier having to say the words out loud. Football has been my life; my passion and I have loved the career I have had."

She explained to City's website: "From a mental point of view, for me I am looking forward to a new challenge and I’m a little tired now. It’s been a heavy few years. I just feel as though [it’s the right time]. I’ve had a lot of discussions with my family, my agent and friends. I just needed to come out and say it and I feel now is the right time. I feel as though I’m ready to learn something new, whatever that might be. I’m grateful for the journey I’ve been on. At the same time, my body’s fine, but for me there are other things I want to be doing and spending more time with my family as well."

Houghton started her career with Sunderland and, after five years in the team, left to join Leeds before moving on to Arsenal in 2010. She won two WSL and FA Women's Cup titles and three FA WSL Cups with the north London team before heading to City in 2014. Houghton went on to claim another WSL title as well as three FA Women's Cups and four FA WSL Cups. She was also a member of the Lionesses team that finished third at the 2015 Women's World Cup.

The defender will hope to claim another WSL crown this season before she bows out of the game. City are currently level on points with Chelsea at the top of the table, though the London club have a slightly better goal difference.