Arsenal Women Forward and England football legend Jodie Taylor has announced her retirement from football on Thursday evening.
The 37-year-old forward spent the second half of the last campaign on loan at Arsenal, and looked back on a career which saw her play in six different countries.
The countries include England, Canada, Australia, France, Sweden and the United States.
Despite playing for some of the best clubs in the world, Taylor made her England debut at 28.
“I must say, the proudest moment of my career is being resilient, being persistent, still working hard, still having the belief that I could play for England,” she said.
The forward became a World Cup finalist with England in 2015 and won the Euro 2017 Golden Boot before clinching the SheBelieves Cup two years later whiles winning 51 caps and netting 19 goals for England.
Taylor will be best remembered as a key part of the group of England players who won bronze at the 2015 World Cup. She is also a recipient of the Euro 17 Golden Boot.
“I am at peace with the decision to retire and it’s my choice,” Taylor said.
“I think [that] is really important. [It’s] really fortunate that I’m in the position to make that decision for myself.” She said .
Taylor’s senior career began at 15 with Tranmere Rovers in 2002 before making a move to the United States, Canada, Australia, Sweden and France before she returned to England to join Arsenal this year.
After scoring 12 goals in 21 games Taylor was signed by Birmingham City, with whom she won the FA Cup in 2012. She later joined Goteborg and Melbourne before helping Lyon to Champions League success in 2020.
Looking back on her career, she cited the 2019/20 Champions League triumph with Lyon as one of her key moments in the game.
“That was brilliant. In terms of club and domestic football I think that’s the pinnacle, the absolute best you can do in football,” she said.
Taylor first played for Arsenal in the 2016/17 season, and rejoined the club in March this year, making another eight appearances for the club. She finally opted to retire in the long run.
“I think before I even stepped foot on the plane to go to Arsenal at the end of last season I kind of knew it was going to be my last stint playing,” she said.
“It’s a club that I love so much and respect so much, and to have the opportunity to be back there and them to welcome me knowing it was going to be my last game, it’s pretty special.I’m happy that the time has come now – it’s the right time.”
“It’s been brewing and I’m finally ready to officially announce that I’m stepping away from playing. It feels really weird saying it out loud. I’ve had a lot of discussions with friends, family and loved ones regarding it.”
Having acquired her UEFA coaching licence as well as a master’s degree in sport and directorship, Taylor is looking forward to stay in football.
“Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that the game will be where it’s at now. I love football, I love the women’s game especially and I really want to stay in football,” she expressed.
Her retirement comes ahead of the new Women Super League season, which kicks starts this Sunday October 1.
Fixtures for the first match day would proceed as follows;
Aston Villa vs Man United – 11:30am
Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion – 12:00pm
Bristol City vs Leicester City – 1:00pm
Arsenal vs Liverpool – 1:00pm
West Ham vs Man City – 2:00pm
Chelsea vs Tottenham – 4:30pm
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Story by: Asack Pius | univers.ug.edu.gh
