Former Everton and Manchester City striker Tony Duggan has announced his retirement from football, 17 years after making his debut for the Toffees.
The 33-year-old made her debut for Everton as a 16-year-old in the 2007/08 season, winning the PFA Female Young Player of the Year award and helping them win the Women’s FA Cup the following year.
She later moved to Manchester City, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, where she went on to solidify her place in the England squad, winning 79 caps.
Everton win FA Women’s Cup in 2009/10
“It’s really weird,” Duggan said when asked. Sky Sports How does it feel to end your career?
“For professional athletes in any sport, timing always comes. It feels a little strange that it’s today, and it will be for the next few weeks.
“I’ve been thinking a lot over the summer, but I’m happy to finally be able to finish the game in a much better state than when I started. I’m satisfied.”
Her career took her all over Europe but ultimately she came full circle. The Liverpool striker returned to Everton three years ago, a move that proved to be her last in professional football.
“I never planned on retiring,” Duggan added when asked if he always envisioned himself finishing in blue.
“It’s just a feeling and you can’t predict what happens next. I felt like now was the right time to leave and be happy with what I’ve done on and off the field.
“I’m delighted my career has come full circle. It’s a great moment to start at Everton and finish here.”
Duggan made 22 Women’s Super League appearances in her first season back at Everton, scoring two goals and providing two assists, but missed the entire following season after announcing she was pregnant with her daughter Luella.
Tony Duggan (right) and Natalie Bjorn (left) celebrate their win at Anfield.
Her next steps after retirement are yet to be determined, but whatever decision she makes, it is certain that her family will come first.
She said: “I had offers from all over the world, but none of them were right. When you have a baby, the baby becomes your priority. It didn’t seem right, but I think it was the right decision.”
When asked what path he would like to take after his playing career ends, Duggan said he would like to continue working in football, but wanted to discover where his talents would best be utilized before committing to one role.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen next,” she continued. “It’s a little early, but I’m going to be the type to dip my toes into other things.
“I want to continue to be involved in football. I have always had a passion for football and have always tried to help and coach young girls as much as I can.
Tony Duggan, now a pundit for Sky Sports
“I’ve always loved working with brands and sponsors to raise the profile of the game, so I hope to continue that. Maybe agency work, helping the next generation, and being a professional is something I’ve always enjoyed.
“I just want to figure out what I enjoy and what I’m good at, but of course, having a good time with Luella.”
While many will focus on the accolades and honors she has achieved on the field, Duggan’s impact off the field should also be praised.
Her passion to start a conversation about pregnancy in the women’s game and to demonstrate that players can return to the highest level after starting a family is a shining example for future generations, but she didn’t stop there.
“I think the women’s game is at a great level, but there’s a lot more to come. Going through pregnancy and going through that journey, there are areas where there’s room for improvement. I wish I could help. Just seeing the game get stronger and stronger makes me really proud of the journey.
“The sky is the limit, not just for women’s football but for women’s sport in general. It’s fantastic to see the progress and even more exciting to be a part of it.”
Four domestic teams, less than 300 appearances, over 90 goals – but most importantly, the games she leaves are better than the ones she started in, thanks to her time in the sport.
honor
Everton
- FA Women’s League Cup (2007/08)
- FA Women’s Cup (2009/10)
Manchester City
- FA Women’s League Cup (2014, 2016)
- FA WSL (2016)
- Women’s FA Cup (2016/17)
Barcelona
- Queen’s Cup (2018)
- Catalan Cup (2017, 2018)
- UEFA Women’s Champions League runners-up (2018/19)
Atletico Madrid
- Spanish Women’s Super Cup (2020/21)
uk
- FIFA Women’s World Cup 3rd place (2015)
- SheBelieves Cup (2019)
