2026-04-29 10:55:26
Millie Bright has announced her retirement from football.
The Chelsea captain has called time on her career after not featuring for the Blues since sustaining an ankle injury in February.
Bright, 32, made more than 300 appearances for Chelsea after joining the club from Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2014, winning seven Women’s Super League titles and six FA Cups during a glittering spell.
She said: “Representing Chelsea over the last 12 years has been everything to me, but I’m now ready to say goodbye to playing football. I’ve given all I can, and I never wanted to fight for any other badge.
“It is now time, and I’m ready to go into a new era. I’m always going to be Chelsea, but just in a different way.”
Bright added: “I’ve always said I’d retire at this club. I can’t ever represent another team. I’ve given everything on and off the pitch for the badge. And I’m so proud to have done that for the – well over a decade now.
“I’ve been playing injured for the last six years and I’m tired. I’m just a human. I’m ready to venture off into life and to do bigger things with the club and to still be a part of that is still really, really special to me.”
A Chelsea statement read: “We thank Millie for her incredible contribution to Chelsea and are delighted to announce she will be staying on at the club as a trustee of our foundation, continuing her passionate work in supporting others, which began while she was representing us on the pitch.”
Bright retired from England duty last year after winning 88 caps and featuring in the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 triumph.
England boss Sarina Wiegman paid tribute to the defender, saying: “Millie has played such a big role in the growth of the women’s game, with both England and Chelsea, and she has achieved so much along the way.
“What she has given to her club and country is incredible.
“It is hard to put into words the impact she has had. She has inspired so many people, pushed standards and shown girls and boys what can be achieved in the sport.
“Winning Euro 2022 and captaining England to the World Cup Final in Australia (in 2023) says so much about her, but it is not just about the trophies with club and country. She has also earned great respect through the way she has committed herself to the game.
“We look forward to welcoming her to a home game in the near future and recognising her outstanding contribution to the sport. I wish her all the very best for what comes next.”
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