Arsenal legend Jen Beattie, 33, retires from football - and names record Champions League game as the highlight of her decorated career
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Former Arsenal legend Jen Beattie has announced her retirement from football, saying ‘I'm nervous, I'm excited but I'm ready for what's next’. The 33-year-old, who joined NWSL side Bay FC from the north London club at the beginning of last year, has decided to hang up her boots after a long and decorated career which saw her win five WSL titles, four FA Cups and four League Cups during two spells at the north London club and Manchester City.
![[The centre back first joined the north London club in 2009, returning to the Emirated ten years later after stints at Montpellier, Manchester City and Melbourne City]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/18/94358787-0-image-a-21_1737482878157.jpg)
Reflecting on her decision to retire, Beattie says: ‘I think it was probably towards the end of last season. I had a two-year contract with Bay FC and California was incredible, but there were no broadcasting studios, and I wasn't able to do anything outside of football. And that made me realise that I was finding more enjoyment with other things.
![[The Glasgow-born star ended her career at NSWL side Bay FC (pictured in May of last year)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/18/94358781-0-image-a-22_1737482933710.jpg)
‘Leaving Arsenal at any point was always going to be hard and it's been on my mind for a while, and I guess not being at my best anymore, I just felt like it was the right time to stop. ‘Knowing I had the cushion of the extra year made me have more peace with it because I know I still could have kept playing and kept going, but it was very much my decision.
![[Beattie named her most memorable moment as Arsenal's Champions League tie against Wolfsburg two years ago]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/18/94358785-0-image-a-23_1737482942073.jpg)
‘To be able to have that control was really nice. Not many players have that, and I feel very lucky. I felt at ease, I felt calm and obviously I talked it through with friends and family.’. Former Arsenal legend Jen Beattie has announced her retirement from football at the age of 33.
![[She previously retired from international football and representing Scotland in January 2023]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/18/94358773-0-image-a-24_1737482948477.jpg)
