Former England international Anita Asante will be retiring at the end of the season following a 19-year career at the top of the women's game. The Aston Villa defender's final game is set to be against rivals Birmingham City in the Women's Super League.
The 36-year-old, who began her career at Arsenal before joining Chelsea and then moving abroad, has had a hugely successful career, winning 71 caps for England and representing Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Her greatest achievement was arguably her role in Arsenal's quadruple-winning season in 2007, when the club became the only women's team from England to win the Champions League.
During her time at Arsenal, Asante was part of the 2007 squad that won an unprecedented quadruple, including the European Cup - the only time an English side has won the women's competition. “I'm really proud of what I've been able to do and what I've been able to experience throughout those years," she said.
"It's been an unbelievable journey. I'm so proud to have been a part of all that and to have shared it with so many amazing players and coaches. I've learnt so much from them over the years.
Winning five league titles and four FA Cups during her time at Arsenal between 2003 and 2008, she also spent three years playing in the United States before leaving Sky Blue FC to join Swedish side Goteborg in 2012, making 41 appearances across two seasons.
"I experienced a generation of incredibly tough, strong, charismatic personalities that have led the game to where it is," she said. "I always wanted people to enjoy watching me play - to feel that I have represented my family, my culture and those players who helped me on my journey.”
