Millie Bright has announced her decision to retire from professional football.
The Blues’ captain has been at the front of the club’s success over the past decade, winning nine Women’s Super League trophies among several other cup honours and individual awards.
Bright Calls Time
At 32 years old, Bright has now opted to move on and hang up her boots with immediate effect, leaving Chelsea without the defender in their final three games of the season, which could be extended further should they defeat Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final.
Bright revealed her decision through an open letter on the Blues’ official website, stating:
“I’ve been thinking about my future for a while now. There have been so many factors to consider, but I have decided that I’m ready to say goodbye to playing football. I’m hanging up my boots.
“I always said I would retire at the top, and that I would retire at this club. I’m living up to what I said. I’m not prepared to fight for any other club or pull on any other shirt.
“It’s time.
“I never expected what has happened in the last 12 years. I never even expected to be a footballer, let alone be a professional, playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, and lifting all those trophies together.
“The opportunities presented to me since 2015 have been incredible. It’s a life that I never thought I’d live, and I’ve been blessed enough to live it. So much has changed, and I’ve learned so much.
“I’ve given everything I could on the pitch. I can’t physically give any more. The girls still have a lot to play for this season, so I want you to get behind them as much as you can, and let’s take the time to celebrate all the wonderful moments we’ve shared.”
Right Time To Say Goodbye
Millie Bright has deservedly been a club legend for Chelsea since her arrival in 2015, and ends her career with the Blues having won 20 trophies across that spell in addition to captaining the side through many memorable matches.
However, with injuries and age now starting to catch up with her, now is probably the best time to call it a day rather than see a sad decline of who has been an iconic figure within the game.
Bright’s exit now gives a chance for new players to make their mark like she did back in 2015 after Sonia Bompastor has faced a lot of rotation between centre-backs across the season.
Brooke Aspin is one for the future to look at, and could be afforded more opportunities to back up players like Kadeisha Buchanan, Veerle Buurman and Naomi Girma next season.
Now, Bright will step into an off-field ambassadorial role, and in addition to her media roles, will continue to play a part in Chelsea’s future going forward.
