Former England striker Eniola Aluko retired from professional football on Wednesday, bringing an end to a career in which she became Chelsea’s all-time highest goalscorer, and claimed league titles in Italy and England.
The 32-year-old amassed 102 caps for England, scoring 33 goals and represented The Lionesses at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup where she helped the England Ladies to a bronze medal finish.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Eni could have played for the Super Falcons, but she turned down the opportunity, choosing to stay loyal to her adopted country that gave her a chance at making a career in football. Her younger brother, Sone Aluko, however, featured seven times for the Super Eagles making his debut in 2009.
The former Juventus striker announced her retirement in a post on her Twitter page, linking to her full statement on The Players’ Tribune website.
“My dear friend football, it’s time to hang up my boots and retire as a professional footballer. Thank you football for everything you’ve given and taught me. Thanks for the full circle moments & crazy unexpected journey,” Aluko wrote on Twitter.
My dear friend football, it's time to hang up my boots and retire as a professional footballer. Thankyou football for everything you've given and taught me. Thanks for the full circle moments & crazy unexpected journey.
Full letter⬇️https://t.co/UWOyO2nP8B
📸 @PlayersTribune pic.twitter.com/jwj6HtHWic
— Eniola Aluko (@EniAlu) January 15, 2020
The England FA, former teammates and countless other fans have paid tribute to Eniola Aluko and her successful career in which she became prolific for many clubs including Juventus, Saint Louis Athletica and Chelsea (twice).
102 caps and 33 goals for our @Lionesses. Wishing you every success in retirement, @EniAlu! https://t.co/WAwhJyOvaH
— England (@England) January 15, 2020
A true game changer hangs up her boots, with a typically classy sign off. @EniAlu’s impact can’t be down played. Leadership, performance and bravery on & off the pitch that brought change… Thank you 🙌🏽
And now even more to come in life after playing… 🖤 https://t.co/CXCFSBrQZs
— Leon Mann (@Leon_Mann) January 16, 2020
It really is rare to meet someone in football as genuine as @EniAlu 💖
From watching you score in stadiums to working with you encouraging young people to speak up, it really is a privilege. Life is pretty mad sometimes 🤯
Congrats on your retirement 💫https://t.co/RpBiUUHKVZ pic.twitter.com/FgD7xMQcXt
— Ceylon Andi Hickman (@ceylonandi) January 15, 2020
On the day @EniAlu announced her retirement … her stunning solo goal for @Lionesses🏴 in the #WEURO2009 last eight against hosts Finland on England's way to the final🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/j7cpgenYKg
— #WEURO2021 (@UEFAWomensEURO) January 15, 2020
Fave @EniAlu story is you turning up to your first @Lionesses camp in a suit. Earnest, and totally aware of the weight of the moment. But cute. That’s what 102 caps mean 🦁 🦁 🦁 https://t.co/YKcITeckVr
— Jo Tongue (@tonguetweets) January 15, 2020
Congrats. The impact you’ve had both on and off the pitch is immeasurable, and that smile carried you through. Here’s to the next chapter 🙌🏽💙 https://t.co/5n3RRRHHrA
— Jo Tongue (@tonguetweets) January 15, 2020
Still our all-time leading goalscorer! 🔥
Enjoy 5️⃣ of @EniAlu's best strikes as a Blue! pic.twitter.com/5bblnjkGt8
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) January 15, 2020
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