Brighton & Hove Albion Women’s defender Fern Whelan is to retire from football with immediate effect on medical advice.
The 31-year-old joined Brighton in 2017 after previously playing for Everton, Liverpool and Notts County. As well as winning three caps for England, she was also an FA Cup winner and played in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Whelan told brightonandhovealbion.com: “I have made the tough decision to retire. After a long hard battle with injury, I am now ready to close the amazing chapter of playing football and move on to my next challenge.
“I look forward to staying involve with the club through Albion in The Community and will continue to support the women’s game in the future.”
Head coach Hope Powell paid tribute: “Fern has been an outstanding professional during her time with the club and we’re going to miss her ability on the field and her experience in the dressing room. She has played a big part in our development over the last three years.
“I know from speaking to her that the decision to retire was not easy for Fern, but she is embarking on a new phase of her life and everyone at Brighton wishes her all the best for the future.”
