Millie Bright, Chelsea's captain, retired from international football on Monday.
She captained England to the 2023 World Cup final, won the Euros and achieved 88 caps over nine years.
She announced her retirement on her podcast with her bestie, Rachel Daly, called Daly Brightness. This is because she wanted the news to come straight from her and not just through a written statement.
She said, “It’s been beyond special for me and I wish it could last forever,” she said. “I’ve been weighing this up for a long time… It’s a feeling and I’m at peace with it.” She added that the decision was partly so she could “commit fully to my club football and give Chelsea everything they need from me.”
Before the Euros this summer, she withdrew herself from selection for England due to physical and mental fatigue. She has since had minor surgery on her knee. Since her time away from the pitch, she has changed her priorities and craves family time with friends and time for herself.
She said she had “always played through every injury,” but needed to “make smart decisions and look after my physical and mental health.”
Sarina Wiegman, England manager, wanted Bright in the squad for the next World Cup cycle. After speculation, she retired before selection as she was not being selected like previous players have done, like Fran Kirby and Mary Earps.
Sarina Wiegman said she and Millie had discussed the decision after the Euros and paid tribute to Bright’s leadership: “She has been huge for us, for me, for the team, on and off the pitch.” Wiegman described Bright as “a massive influence on and off the pitch” and said she was “grateful that she’s been part of my team.”
"I'm just really grateful that I've been just a little part of her journey and that she's been part of my team, because she has had a massive influence on and off the pitch," Wiegman said on Tuesday. "She's still a very good player, so I want her in the squad, but I totally respect and understand the decision she makes for life."
Her international career spanned from her debut in 2016 through major tournaments including Euro 2022 and the 2023 World Cup.
Karen Carney said: “What a brilliant international career.”
Rachel Daly, her bestie said: “What an incredible international career you have had. I am beyond proud of you and all that you have achieved! You should be so proud of yourself bestie.”
Sonia Bompastor, her Chelsea manager said: “Probably summarise is the wrong word because there is so much to say. The first thing I would say is congratulate Millie on this huge achievement. I think being able to play at the highest level for so long, being consistent and showing that many performances at a reasonable level, as a player, a captain, a leader, and a good person.”
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