Villa's Staniforth 'at ease' with decision to retire

Breaking news from the world of sport: Villa's Staniforth 'at ease' with decision to retireImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Lucy Staniforth made 17 appearances for England between 2018 and 2025ByEmma Sanders Sport women’s football news reporterPublished9 minutes agoAston Villa midfielder Lucy Staniforth says she did not hesitate when making the decision to retire from football at the end of the season. The 33-year-old began her career at Sunderland in 2008 and has gone on to represent seven clubs - the most of any player in the Women's Super League. Staniforth also earned 17 England caps and was twice a losing FA Cup finalist, with Sunderland in 2009 and Bristol Academy in 2013.

But having been plagued by injuries, she is ready for life after football. "To me, it's really exciting. It's not something I've wrestled with, but it's definitely been a thought in the back of my mind as I've been getting on," Staniforth told Sport.

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"I'm really comfortable with the decision. It's been really cool to take the football lens off and be excited for me, as a person, moving into the big, wide world. "I just feel really at ease with it.

I'm super-content with my career and everything that I've overcome and achieved. "A love-hate relationship with footballImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Staniforth was part of the Aston Villa squad who finished fifth in 2022-23 - their best finish in the WSLYork-born Staniforth was one of a handful of Lionesses who developed in the academies of the north east of England and went on to successful careers. She broke into Sunderland's first team at the age of 16 and was close friends with Lucy Bronze, sharing lifts to training with her former team-mate and current England defender.

A midfielder known for her intelligent movement and passing range, Staniforth ends her career at Villa having made more than 50 appearances in all competitions. It has not been a smooth ride, however, as she has suffered back-to-back anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in 2014 in different knees, which caused her to miss almost three seasons. "I feel so lucky to have been able to go to the places I've been to and to have met the people I have," added Staniforth.

Reactions and Expectations

"Football has ultimately been my life. It's made me who I am and it's all I've known. It's huge and I've loved it.

I've also hated it at times because it's really hard! "There's so many times when you question your worth. That's something I have struggled with throughout my career, knowing who I am away from the pitch.

"I'm excited now because I'm not 'Lucy the footballer' anymore. It might be hard to come to terms with down the line, but at the moment, it just excites me. "Staniforth hopes to "discover a new part" of herself away from the game and learn to celebrate her achievements.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.