Former Lioness Danielle Carter announces retirement

Former England women’s striker Danielle Carter has announced her retirement, following a career which saw her represent the Lionesses through the development pathway and into the senior set-up.

The 32 year old revealed her decision today and was honoured by Arsenal, the club where she spent eleven years and made over 100 appearances, ahead of their BWSL game with Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium when was also presented with her England legacy cap.

Born and raised in east London, Carter began her career as a youngster with Leyton Orient before she was snapped up by the Gunners in 2009 having already been capped at WU17 level by England and featuring in the 2008 FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup when the Young Lionesses finished fourth in New Zealand.

She went on to help Arsenal win the inaugural BWSL title in 2011 as well as the Women’s FA Cup in the same year while also being an England regular at WU19 and WU20 level at the 2010 FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup in Germany.

Her performances for Arsenal saw her called into the England senior squad in 2015 and she enjoyed a stunning debut with a hat-trick in an 8-0 victory over Estonia in Tallin.

And she repeated the feat with another hat-trick against Estonia in the return fixture at Notts County’s Meadow Lane in September 2016 as the Lionesses went on to qualify for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2017 in the Netherlands.

Earlier in 2016, her goal against Chelsea in the Women’s FA Cup Final proved to be the winner before she added an FA Women’s League Cup title to her honours list two years

Unfortunately, a serious knee injury later that year and then shortly after her return to fitness the following year in 2017 impacted her career at both domestic and international level.

She went on to play for Reading, Brighton & Hove Albion and London City Lionesses following her departure from Arsenal in 2020.

Speaking about her decision, in a statement on Instagram, Danielle said: “Dear Football. For more than 15 years you've been my world.

"My routine, my identity, my escape and my purpose. You gave me teammates who became lifelong friends, coaches who pushed me beyond my limits and fans who lifted me when I needed it most.

"You gave me trophies, injuries, highs, lows, lessons and memories I'll carry forever. Letting go hasn't been easy but I've finally accepted the time has come to officially retire.

"To my nearest and dearest, thank you for supporting me through every season, setback and celebration. I'll miss playing, but I'm forever grateful for everything the game has given me...what a journey it's been."

Gavin Step, the FA women’s technical director, added: “Danielle’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished playing career.

“Representing her country is an achievement she should carry with immense pride and stands as a testament to her quality and commitment. To score one hat-trick at any level is something but to do it twice for England is something special.

“We are grateful for everything she has given to the women’s game and wish her every success in the future.

“We will, of course, celebrate Danielle at a forthcoming home fixture.”