Liverpool Football Club is mourning the loss of their central defender Jilly Flaherty, who announced her retirement from professional football at the age of 31. Flaherty joined Liverpool from West Ham last summer and made 10 appearances for the club, including a record 176th appearance in the Women’s Super League. She was an inspiring figure to many, and her commitment and dedication to the badge was evident in every game she played. Flaherty’s decision to retire was prompted by the sad death of her father over the festive period, which left her heartbroken. Manager Matt Beard reflected on the Londoner’s “wonderful career” and said she had achieved everything there is to achieve in the domestic game. The club and its supporters send their sincere condolences to Flaherty and her family during this difficult time.
Liverpool central defender Jilly Flaherty confirmed that she ended her career at the age of 31, citing the sad death of her father.
Flaherty joined Liverpool from West Ham last summer and made 10 appearances for the club, including a record 176th appearance in the Women’s Super League.
The centre-back, who previously played for Arsenal and Chelsea, now holds the record for most appearances in the English top division, overtaking Jill Scott’s figure.
But now Flaherty ended her career as her father’s death over the festive period left her “heartbroken” as she said: “I don’t want to go on [playing] without him by my side.
“I have decided to retire from professional football,” she said in a statement on the club’s official website.
“This is not a decision that I took lightly, but one that I came to after talking to those closest to me.
“Losing my dad just before Christmas broke my heart – we shared a love of football for 22 years and I don’t want to continue playing without him.
“As far as the game goes, I know the right decision for me is to finish the day.
“It’s time to be close to my family and to be closest to those closest to me.”
She added: “I want to say thank you Liverpool, especially Birdie and Russ [Fraser, managing director] for bringing me to the club.
“I would also like to thank the Liverpool fans for supporting me and accepting me.
“Even though it wasn’t a complete journey, I’d like to think the fans saw my commitment and dedication to the badge and I gave 110 per cent in every game.
“I also want to thank the players for being there for me throughout my time at the club and I wish them nothing but success for the rest of the season.”
Manager Matt Beard previously worked with Flaherty at West Ham and reflected on the Londoner’s “wonderful career”.
“She has achieved everything there is to achieve in the domestic game,” he said.
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