Megan Campbell: Republic of Ireland defender announces retirement

Republic of Ireland defender Megan Campbell has announced her decision to retire from professional football.

Campbell has been without a club since leaving London City Lionesses at the end of last season following their promotion to the WSL.

The 32-year-old won 57 caps for Republic of Ireland after making her senior debut in August 2011 against Switzerland.

Campbell, who could play left back or centre back, was a member of the Irish squad that qualified for the 2023 Women's World Cup, but she missed the tournament through injury.

Renowned for her long throw-ins, she holds the Guinness World Record for performing the longest ever throw-in by a female footballer - 37.55 metres.

The Drogheda native had spells at clubs such as Manchester City, Liverpool and Everton.

She won a domestic treble at City and also helped Liverpool win promotion back to the WSL in 2022.

"It's been a while coming but something I've struggled accepting for a long time now. Unfortunately, I knew that playing the sport I love and have given everything to would have an end some day, I just never wanted to believe it would've been this soon," Campbell posted on social media.

"To Ireland. This one's the hardest to accept. Representing my country was the single biggest achievement in life. An honour above all else for me and my family," Campbell continued.

"It all meant more to me than you could imagine. Many memories, nights to remember forever and friends made for life.

"This is the greatest sport in the world, and I am so lucky to have got to play it for as long as I have."

Click here to read article