Leicester City captain Whelan announces retirement | OneFootball

Leicester City captain Aileen Whelan will retire from playing football at the end of the 2023/2024 season.

WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Foxes this afternoon.

Whelan has enjoyed a senior career than has spanned over more than a decade-and-a-half. The midfielder started out with the likes of Rushden & Diamonds and Barnet before joining MK Dons. A move to Nottingham Forest followed before Whelan represented Notts County in the top flight over a four-year period. In 2017, Whelan joined Everton before swiftly moving to Brighton & Hove Albion. The player has spent the last two seasons with Leicester City.

At the age of 32, Whelan has now deemed it to be the right time to hang up her boots and concentrate on her family.

Speaking after her retirement was announced, Whelan said “At the start of this season, I decided to call time on my playing career at the end of the current campaign. I’ve had a long time to prepare for this moment and I’m sure it’s the right decision. Making the transition won’t be easy, but it’s something I’ve been working on for a while.

“Professional football has been my life for the past decade. I’ve committed every day to the game and known no different. However, life changes, and now is the right time for me to focus on my beautiful family. I want to focus my attention and time on bringing up my children and making memories at home. My weekends will now be filled with adventures and exploring, and I can be present for all the milestones my children make.

“I will miss the game, the team-mates I’ve had the pleasure of working with and the fun that we’ve had along the way. I’ve got a lot to look back at and celebrate, and now I’ll be LCFC Women’s biggest supporter. To captain LCFC Women in the WSL has been a true honour and one I am very proud of. My time at the Club has been full of highs and lows, but we never gave up or let anything compromise our team character. I can whole-heartedly say, we gave it everything.

“Finally, I would like to express a sincere thanks to all the past and present players, coaches, managers and staff members in the background that I’ve worked with. I have made friends for life and will continue to support you all on your journeys. One final thank you is to the fans, from Notts County, Everton, Brighton and LCFC Women. You supported me without question and I’m forever grateful.”

Whelan’s final career appearance will come next weekend when Leicester City play host to Liverpool at The King Power Stadium.