Wiegman says Kirby an ‘inspiration’ after announcing international retirement | OneFootball

England Women’s manager Sarina Wiegman says she “will always be grateful” to Fran Kirby after the midfielder announced her retirement from international football.

Kirby’s decision to retire from international duty comes ahead of Wiegman revealing her squad for the European Championships in Switzerland in the summer.

However after conversations with the Dutchwoman about her chances of making the cut, the 31-year-old decided to call time on her England career following England’s 2-1 Nations League defeat to World Champions Spain.

Kirby started 14 of Wiegman’s first 20 matches in charge, but made only five subsequent starts since.

Wiegman paid tribute to the midfielder for her “incredible contribution” during her tenure as Lionesses boss.

“She’s been unlucky with injuries,” Wiegman said. “For the World Cup and during camps, she always fought back and had some opportunities to play.

“I had a conversation with her over this week again, going forward to this game, and that’s it. She most likely was not going to make the squad, things can change very quickly but we had these conversations.

“She’s an incredible footballer, her touch, positioning, her vision and game understanding, connections – as a person too, what she had in front of her and coming back every time, she’s an inspiration for a lot of people.

“I fully understand her decision to say goodbye at this point in her wonderful career, and we will always be grateful for her incredible contribution to the team.”

Kirby’s former Lionesses teammate Lucy Bronze told Sky Sports News that she paid tribute in the dressing room to the 31-year-old after the news had broken.

“I made a little speech about her being called ‘mini-Messi’ 10 years ago and rightly so because she lit up the pitch in an England shirt,” Bronze said.

“All the players in there dreamed of playing with Fran because she was so good. She’s had to overcome so many obstacles in her personal life as well as injuries, she’s one of those talents – so, so special.

“She hates me mentioning that nickname but she deserves it, she’s been fantastic.”