Reading FC Women midfielder Brooke Chaplen has announced her retirement after an enforced spell on the sidelines.
Requiring an operation to remove a bone tumour in her leg, the procedure meant the loss of some knee ligaments, therefore curtailing the 33-year-old’s playing career.
Chaplen joined the Royals from Sunderland in 2017, making 94 appearances and scoring 26 goals. She also previously played for Everton, Chelsea and Portsmouth, while being capped by England up to U-23 level and playing at an U-20 World Cup.
Chaplen told readingfc.co.uk: “I’ve been here a long time now and I feel part of the furniture – I have some great memories. From scoring my first goal against Liverpool to battling the likes of Manchester United for the top three spot.
“I’d like to think I now embark on a new path in football. I feel like I’ve got a lot to give with the experiences I’ve had within women’s football.
“Whilst I was playing, I’ve been studying for a number of years, looking at the business side of football.”
