25 May 2023 , 08:23
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Everton midfielder Izzy Christiansen will retire from professional football at the end of the season.
The England international has enjoyed outstanding success throughout her 14 years at the top level of the women's game, having made more than 300 appearances for club and country.
Christiansen, who returned to Everton in 2020 - 11 years after making her senior debut for the club - has remained an important part of Brian Sorensen's squad this term.
However, the club confirmed on Thursday the midfielder will call time on her glittering playing career this summer, noting that "everyone at Everton would like to thank Izzy for her outstanding service to the Club and in football and wishes her the very best for her future endeavours."
Christiansen, who has this season become a regular fixture in Sky Sports' punditry team, bagged her first piece of silverware while playing for Birmingham City, triumphing over Chelsea to win the 2012 FA Cup.
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Her performances in the West Midlands secured her a move to Manchester City, where she won a Women's Super League title, an FA Cup and two FA WSL Continental Cups during a superb four-year spell between 2014 and 2018.
During her time at the Academy Stadium, Christiansen was named PFA Women's Players' Player of the Year and included in the PFA WSL Team of the Year in 2016.
Christiansen could make her final appearance against former club Manchester City this weekend (GETTY)The Macclesfield-born midfielder then joined defending European champions Lyon in 2018 and scooped a treble in her first season with the French outfit, winning Division 1 Feminine, Coupe de France and the Champions League, as well as the Trophee des Championnes the following summer.
Christiansen sealed a return to Everton in January 2020 and cemented herself as a pivotal figure in the side that reached the FA Cup final in November 2020.
She also enjoyed success on the international stage, notching 31 senior England caps, six international goals and a SheBelieves Cup winners' medal, having helped the Lionesses lift the trophy in 2019.
Reflecting on her decision to retire, Christiansen wrote on social media: "I have something I would like to share with you… I am announcing my retirement from International and Club football at the end of the season. To all of the football clubs that have trusted me; Everton, Birmingham City, Manchester City, Olympique Lyonnais and finally here again, Everton; Thank you.
"To representing my country, there’s no greater honour. Thank you. To my incredible family, friends and representatives, thank you for supporting me through the highs and lows of my career. To the coaches that have taught me the game. You have shaped me as a player and inspired my obsession with football. To all of my teammates over the years, it’s been a joy to play with you. I have met lifelong friends from all around the world playing this sport. To my sponsors and brands that I have worked with, thank you.
"You are growing the game. Finally, to the incredible fans. You make this game work. What I have achieved is beyond my wildest dreams and being able to choose this ending is something very special. As a young girl kicking a ball around the school field, I had no idea my future would look like this. Dream big. To play my final game at Manchester City Academy stadium on Saturday couldn’t really be a better ending. In my home city, on some beautiful turf where I played some of my best football. I’m very excited to reveal what’s next in due course.
"Until then, much love and the biggest thank you. Izzy Christiansen."
The midfielder could make her final professional appearance against former club Manchester City this weekend.
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