Manchester City goalkeeper Karen Bardsley announces retirement

Manchester City goalkeeper Karen Bardsley ‘incredibly proud’ as she announces retirement, with former England star hanging up gloves after stellar 20-year career

• England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley has announced her retirement from football
• The Manchester City shot-stopper had not played this season due to an injury
• The 37-year-old has not played this season due to an on-going hamstring issue

Manchester City and England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley has retired from professional football following a 20-year career in the women’s game.

Bardsley, 37, has not played this season due to an on-going hamstring issue she sustained while on loan at American club OL Reign last year.

The shot-stopper admitted that her decision had been influenced by her recent injury struggles but said she was proud of all she has achieved in her professional career.

Manchester City and England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley has retired from professional football

The 37-year-old has not played this season due to an on-going hamstring issue she sustained

‘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 of 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.’

Bardsley is ‘incredibly proud’ as she hangs up her gloves following a stellar 20-year career

Born in California to Mancunian parents, Bardsley began her playing career with college football side Cal State Fullerton Titans alongside stints with Ajax America Women, Pali Blues and Sky Blue FC.

Bardsley joined City in 2013 and has gone on to win eight trophies with the club. She has also been capped 82 times for England after making her debut in 2005 and has played in three World Cups and two European Championships.

City boss Gareth Taylor praised Bardsley’s impact off the pitch and tipped her to continue to have a big role behind the scenes in the women’s game.

Man City boss Gareth Taylor praised Bardsley’s impact off the pitch as well as on the pitch 

‘Karen has left an undeniable mark on women’s football, and I believe that her playing career is just the start of the overall impact she will make.

‘Although injury has limited her appearances on the pitch during my time in charge, she has remained an integral member of our team and has made a real difference behind the scenes.

‘She deserves all the plaudits that she receives, and I would like to wish her the very best for the future and the next step of her journey.’

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