Rachel Daly, the renowned England forward, has officially announced her retirement from international football.
At 32, Daly has been pivotal for the Lionesses, playing a crucial role in their European Championship victory and their run to the Women’s World Cup final last year.
Despite her success, including winning the WSL Golden Boot last season, Daly has decided to focus solely on her club career.
In a heartfelt statement, Daly expressed mixed emotions about retiring from international play.
“I would love nothing more than to play for England forever, but the time has come for me to hang up my boots on the international stage,” she wrote.
Daly highlighted her sadness at leaving this chapter behind but also her deep gratitude for the experience. She described playing for England as a privilege and an honor.
Reflecting on her eight-year journey with the Lionesses, Daly emphasized her relentless pursuit of success and her commitment to high standards.
“During my eight years as a Lioness, I’ve always pursued success and winning football matches, while playing and training with the highest standards of competition, passion, and perseverance,” she noted.
She recounted the pivotal moments that shaped her career, particularly winning the Euros and reaching the World Cup final. These experiences were transformative for her both as a footballer and as a person.
Daly expressed immense gratitude for being part of these historic achievements and for the special friendships she made.
“Winning the Euros and then reaching the World Cup final changed a lot for me, not only as a footballer but as a person.
I’m so fortunate that I’ve been able to share that with so many remarkable people throughout my journey. I have made special friendships that will last a lifetime,” she stated.
She acknowledged the honor and pride she felt wearing the England badge and is grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to the team’s success.
She now sees her retirement as a chance to pass the baton to the next generation while supporting the Lionesses as a fan.
“I am very fortunate to have played a small part in making history with the Lionesses, and I feel now is the right time to pass that baton to the next generation and be England’s number one fan from the stands,” Daly wrote.
Looking forward, Daly is excited to focus on her club career and spend more time with her loved ones.
She concluded her statement with a note of gratitude and optimism for the future. “I am excited to keep working hard at club level to reach new highs and spend some much-needed quality time with my loved ones. Thank you,” she expressed.
