Aston Villa defender, Meaghan Sargeant has announced her retirement from football at 29 years-old.
Sargeant had struggled with a recurring back injury last season and after medical consultations, she has decided to end her playing career with immediate effect, having made just 13 appearances for Villa which all came in her first season with the club in the 2021-22 campaign.
Villa have confirmed that Sargeant will remain with the club in a new role away from the pitch under manager, Carla Ward.
Speaking about her decision to retire due to her back injury, Sargeant issued the following statement: “My time at Aston Villa has been challenging due to an ongoing injury, however being involved with such an amazing club and group of players has been incredible.
“Although my time has been very limited on-field, due to a reccurring back injury, it has been special for me to watch and be a part of such a talented group who have done so well this season and will undoubtedly continue to progress.
“Personally, it has been a very hard decision to announce my early retirement. I love football and I love being part of a team environment. I cannot thank Aston Villa enough for all the help and support they have given me during this very difficult period.”
Looking ahead to the future, Sargeant added that she is “extremely grateful” that Villa have handed her “a great opportunity” to stay with the club in an off-field role, which she is “excited” about where it could take her in the future.
Sargeant also paid tribute to her fans for their support across her career, which began with Lincoln Ladies in 2012 before she went on to play for Birmingham City and Bristol City prior to arriving at Villa in July 2021.
Addressing her fans, Sargeant said: “Thank you to the fans for all the support you have given me across the years, and thank you to all my team-mates and staff, past and present, for helping me fulfil a dream.”
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