Former Birmingham City & Manchester City star retires from professional football - aged just 31

The senior England international, who once played for Birmingham City and Manchester City, has hung up her boots.
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Former Birmingham City Women’s midfielder Izzy Christiansen has announced her retirement from professional football with an emotional statement. Rounding off her playing days with Everton, the 31-year-old has decided to hang up her boots with an undisclosed ‘exciting’ new chapter ahead.

Christiansen was a senior England Women’s international for a number of years, helping the Lionesses to the SheBelieves Cup in 2019. She notched 31 caps and scored six goals in the process, using her technical ability to great effect. Her international career was cut short in 2019, though, after a string of ankle injuries.

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At a domestic level, Christiansen kicked off her career with Everton before moving to Birmingham in 2009. The versatile midfielder racked up 34 appearances for Blues, scoring three goals before moving to Manchester City in 2014. Christiansen became more of a threat at City, netting 18 goals in 61 games.

What followed was a brief adventure in France with a side widely regarded as the best in the world, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin. Christiansen, who scored three goals in 20 fixtures that campaign, returned to England as a Division 1 Féminin champion, rejoining Everton for her final three seasons. She will play her final game against City on Saturday.

Announcing her retirement on social media, Christiansen wrote: “To all of the football clubs that have trusted me; Everton, Birmingham City, Manchester City, Olympique Lyonnais and finally here again, Everton; Thank you. To representing my country, there’s no greater honour. Thank you.

“To my incredible family, friends and representatives, thank you for supporting me through the highs and lows of my career. To the coaches that have taught me the game. You have shaped me as a player and inspired my obsession with football. To all of my teammates over the years, it’s been a joy to play with you.

Christiansen won the SheBelieves Cup with the Lionesses in 2019.Christiansen won the SheBelieves Cup with the Lionesses in 2019.
Christiansen won the SheBelieves Cup with the Lionesses in 2019.
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“I have met lifelong friends from all around the world playing this sport. To my sponsors and brands that I have worked with, thank you. You are growing the game. Finally, to the incredible fans. You make this game work. What I have achieved is beyond my wildest dreams and being able to choose this ending is something very special.

“As a young girl kicking a ball around the school field, I had no idea my future would look like this. Dream big. To play my final game at Manchester City Academy stadium on Saturday couldn’t really be a better ending. I’m very excited to reveal what’s next in due course. Until then, much love and the biggest thank you,” Christiansen said.

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