Former Arsenal, Man City and Scotland defender Jen Beattie retires from football
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Former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Jen Beattie has announced her retirement from football at the age of 33. Beattie, who was capped 143 times by Scotland, won five Women’s Super League titles and three Women’s FA Cups in a glittering career which also included periods in France, Australia and the United States.
She spent nine years with the Gunners in two spells either side of a four-and-a-half year stay at City, but ended her career across the Atlantic with Bay FC. Beattie told Sky Sports: “It’s been a long time taken to come to the decision, but it’s finally time to retire, and that’s my announcement today, stepping away from football and the game I’ve loved for so long, but I guess this is my official retirement.
“There are so many different reasons, but ultimately it’s been on my mind for a fair few seasons now. You never really know when the time is fully right, but ultimately a lot of other things were really fulfilling me and I was really ready to start that next chapter.
“I’ve absolutely loved the game and I’ve so many amazing memories. Going to play in America and experiencing that different league was amazing, but I’m just ready for what’s next.”. Beattie joined Arsenal from Celtic in 2009 and won the WSL title on four occasions before heading for Montpellier.
