Aston Villa’s Lucy Staniforth Announces End-of-Season Retirement
She signals a shift into player-focused leadership in the women’s game.
Overview
- Staniforth, who disclosed the decision Thursday, will retire at the end of the season with Aston Villa.
- Aston Villa said it will honor the midfielder before this weekend’s Women’s Super League match against Arsenal at Villa Park.
- The 33-year-old earned 17 England caps, scored on her 2018 debut, and was selected for the 2019 World Cup squad.
- Her career included major setbacks, including ACL tears in both knees in 2014 that kept her out for nearly three seasons.
- She holds a master’s in football directorship and plans to work on facilities, travel and match-load issues through union and governance roles.