Liverpool defender Gilly Flaherty, the record appearance holder in the history of the Women’s Super League, has announced her retirement from professional football.
Flaherty, 31, broke the record less than two months ago Liverpool's 2-0 win over her former side West Ham. But in a statement, she said the death of her father before Christmas has left her to take the decision to end her 17-year career.
“I’ve taken the decision to retire from professional football," Flaherty said. "It isn’t a decision I’ve taken lightly but one I’ve reached after speaking with those closest to me.
“Losing my dad just before Christmas has left me heartbroken – for 22 years we shared our love of football and playing wise I don’t want to carry on without him by my side.
“Playing wise I know the right decision is for me to call it a day. The time is right for me to be around my family and to be nearest to those closest to me.
“I want to thank Liverpool, especially Beardy (Matt Beard) and Russ (Fraser) for bringing me to the club.
“I’d also like to thank the Liverpool fans for supporting me and taking me in. Even though it has not been a finished journey I’d like to think the fans saw commitment and dedication to the badge from me and I gave 110% in every game.
“I also wish to thank the players for being there for me throughout my time at the club and I wish them nothing but success for the rest of the season.”
She was capped nine times by England and spent the majority of her career in London, with spells at Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham. She made 177 appearances in the WSL in total, overtaking the previous holder, Lioness Jill Scott.
In 2011 she scored the first goal in WSL history against Chelsea, a club she would later join in 2014, before four years at West Ham, where she served with distinction as captain to help the Hammers become an established top-flight club.
She has collected four WSL titles, seven Women’s FA Cup wins and a UEFA Cup win during her career. She was also an FA Cup runner-up with West Ham in 2019.
Flaherty added: “I’d like to thank all the managers I’ve played under, from beginning at Millwall, through Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham and now Liverpool.
“And to all the former teammates I’ve ever had the pleasure to share a field with and the professionals I’ve played against on a weekly basis.
“I’m grateful to have been part of an era before we turned pro, where we had to work as well as play football. It’s been an honour to have been there from the very beginning, to have committed my whole career to English football and to the WSL for the past 11 or 12 years.
“To have witnessed the growth and be a part of that has been truly special. Hopefully I’ve had a positive effect on many of those I’ve met in the dressing rooms, training pitches and stadiums along this wonderful journey. Thank you.”
Liverpool manager Matt Beard also paid tribute to the defender, who had helped them make a good start to their WSL campaign after promotion last year.
“I’d just like to offer huge congratulations to Gilly on a wonderful career," said Beard. "She’s achieved everything there is to achieve in the domestic game.
“We just wish her every success in all her future endeavours.”
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