Fara Williams: England’s most-capped footballer announces retirement

The former Everton, Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder won 172 caps for the Three Lions

Former England midfielder Fara Williams (Getty Images)

Fara Williams, England’s most-capped footballer, has announced her retirement from the game.

The former Everton, Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder won 172 caps for the Three Lions in a 20-year career, the most by any male or female player.

But Williams, 37, has now confirmed that this season will be her last.

“After much consideration and despite offers to remain within the game, I have made the difficult decision to retire from professional football at the end of the season,” she said in a statement on Twitter.

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have had a career of more than 20 years within the women’s game.”

Williams, who in February revealed she had been diagnosed with a kidney condition last year, helped England finish third at the 2015 World Cup and as runners-up at Euro 2009.

The Reading midfielder also played for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics.