Aston Villa midfielder Lucy Staniforth will retire from playing professional football at the end of the season.
The Villans announced the news via a post on their official club website this morning.
The 33-year-old will hang up her boots at the end of an 18-year senior playing career. Staniforth started out with Sunderland where she enjoyed two spells. She has also turned out for Lincoln Ladies, Bristol Academy, Liverpool, Birmingham City, Manchester United and latest club Aston Villa. The midfielder has clocked up well over 250 appearances at club level while she won the old FA Women’s Premier League Northern Division and FAWSL titles.
On the international stage, Staniforth was capped by England on 17 occasions in which she scored two goals. She won the SheBelieves Cup with the Lionesses in 2019.
After Staniforth’s retirement was announced, Aston Villa’s Director of Women’s Football, Marisa Ewers said “Having played alongside Stan, I know the qualities she brings both as a player and a person.
“She has been a valued part of the group during her time at Villa and while she will be greatly missed around the club, we wish her all the very best for the future.”
Aston Villa will honour Staniforth ahead of this weekend’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Arsenal at Villa Park.
