Rachel Corsie: Scotland captain announces retirement from football following Nations League matches

[ad_1] Scotland captain Rachel Corsie will retire from soccer following the upcoming Nations League matches towards Austria and Netherlands.

The defender, who has 154 caps for the nationwide facet, was recalled to the squad by new head coach Melissa Andreatta final week.

Nevertheless, a sequence of accidents had left her in "power ache" and after six surgical procedures - together with 5 on her left knee - Corsie admits now's the suitable time to retire.

The 35-year-old has performed for 9 golf equipment throughout Scotland, England, USA and Australia throughout an 18-year enjoying profession.

<img class="sdc-article-image__item" loading="lazy" intrinsicsize="768x432" src="https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/768x432/skysports-corsie-rachel-glasgow-city_6925083.jpg?20250523143707" srcset="https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/384x216/skysports-corsie-rachel-glasgow-city_6925083.jpg?20250523143707 380w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/768x432/skysports-corsie-rachel-glasgow-city_6925083.jpg?20250523143707 760w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/1600x900/skysports-corsie-rachel-glasgow-city_6925083.jpg?20250523143707 1024w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/2048x1152/skysports-corsie-rachel-glasgow-city_6925083.jpg?20250523143707 2048w" sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 1024px, 100vw" alt="Corsie won 16 trophies with Glasgow City, including seven league titles"/> Picture: Corsie received 16 trophies with Glasgow Metropolis, together with seven league titles Nevertheless, Corsie insists hanging up her boots following one final runout for Scotland, with whom she has reached two main finals, is the proper option to say goodbye to the sport.

She mentioned: "I've clearly had a extremely difficult 12 months. My physique, I believe, has actually needed this to be my final 12 months.

"My coronary heart and my head have been cussed and mentioned I am not fairly prepared.

"Getting again enjoying on the finish of the season [following knee surgery in October] was a extremely robust ambition and goal, however we received there. I really feel like enjoying within the WSL, enjoying worldwide soccer, I believe that's the highest degree.

<img class="sdc-article-image__item" loading="lazy" intrinsicsize="768x432" src="https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/768x432/skysports-corsie-rachel-aston-villa_6925090.jpg?20250523144059" srcset="https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/384x216/skysports-corsie-rachel-aston-villa_6925090.jpg?20250523144059 380w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/768x432/skysports-corsie-rachel-aston-villa_6925090.jpg?20250523144059 760w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/1600x900/skysports-corsie-rachel-aston-villa_6925090.jpg?20250523144059 1024w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/2048x1152/skysports-corsie-rachel-aston-villa_6925090.jpg?20250523144059 2048w" sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 1024px, 100vw" alt="Corsie announced she was leaving Aston Villa after three years at the club"/> Picture: Corsie introduced she was leaving Aston Villa after three years on the membership "To be turning 36 in August and to know that I've received so far enjoying on the highest degree and I will cease at that time, I believe that that feels the suitable place for me."

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Corsie returned to motion from her newest knee operation in April, 4 months later than deliberate.

October's process was anticipated to maintain her out for eight weeks, as a substitute of the six months that adopted, leaving Corsie fearful her profession would finish on the sidelines.

She added: "I used to be instructed by the surgeon, earlier than having the surgical procedure, that the situation of my knee was pretty regarding and that surgical procedure would doubtlessly give some aid, however there's fairly a critical probability that the harm that is been performed over the course of my profession goes to be impactful to the remainder of my life.

"The precise second I knew there was a selected harm that was going to maintain me out, I needed to do the surgical procedure as a result of I knew that I could not get again enjoying, leaving it because it was.

"I mainly was simply in power ache on a regular basis, like strolling up and down stairs to the home, sitting within the automotive for intervals of time, going to the bathroom, getting out and in of the bathe and having to climb out over the bathtub, like all these little issues, like they're the day-to-day issues that for me are actually not regular.

"Whenever you tolerate it in sport, once you go and do your coaching, you are keen to simply accept some degree of ache and discomfort, however I believe it is the remainder of your day the place it most likely mentally impacts you extra as a result of there is not any respite for it.

"I would say the primary half of the season, particularly from October via to January - that was a a lot more durable journey.

"I've performed lots of rehabs, and I discover the method of it nearly cathartic at instances since you do exactly comply with the steps and also you get there, and you are feeling good when you get there.

<img class="sdc-article-image__item" loading="lazy" intrinsicsize="768x432" src="https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/768x432/skysports-corsie-rachel-scotland_6925087.jpg?20250523143933" srcset="https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/384x216/skysports-corsie-rachel-scotland_6925087.jpg?20250523143933 380w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/768x432/skysports-corsie-rachel-scotland_6925087.jpg?20250523143933 760w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/1600x900/skysports-corsie-rachel-scotland_6925087.jpg?20250523143933 1024w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/2048x1152/skysports-corsie-rachel-scotland_6925087.jpg?20250523143933 2048w" sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 1024px, 100vw" alt="Corsie scored 20 goals for Scotland"/> Picture: Corsie made her Scotland debut in 2009 and has scored 20 targets for the nationwide facet "The psychological problem of that, the emotional stress and figuring out this might now be your final 12 months, and doubtlessly you are not going to make it again - I believe that is one thing for any athlete that's extraordinarily troublesome.

"That is not the ending that anybody desires, the place you do not actually get the say in your phrases to any diploma.

"That additionally got here off the again of the season earlier than - I used to be obtainable for each single sport and I performed in each membership sport and all of the cup video games, bar one, the place I used to be suspended, which I additionally will add that's the solely sport in my senior profession, club-wise, that I have been suspended for! I believe I've performed fairly effectively to make it that far.

"It has been a troublesome journey. There have been a number of different little niggles, that are actually frequent. That was irritating in their very own proper. I've made it and it has been value all these days in ache."

'Scotland farewell the proper ending' <img class="sdc-article-image__item" loading="lazy" intrinsicsize="768x432" src="https://e0.365dm.com/24/11/768x432/skysports-scotland-rachel-corsie_6753736.jpg?20241121134546" srcset="https://e0.365dm.com/24/11/384x216/skysports-scotland-rachel-corsie_6753736.jpg?20241121134546 380w, https://e0.365dm.com/24/11/768x432/skysports-scotland-rachel-corsie_6753736.jpg?20241121134546 760w, https://e0.365dm.com/24/11/1600x900/skysports-scotland-rachel-corsie_6753736.jpg?20241121134546 1024w, https://e0.365dm.com/24/11/2048x1152/skysports-scotland-rachel-corsie_6753736.jpg?20241121134546 2048w" sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 1024px, 100vw" alt="Captain Rachel Corsie is recovering from knee surgery"/> Picture: Corsie is in Scotland's squad to face Austria and Netherlands Corsie's last two video games are at house to Austria on Might 30, earlier than travelling to the Netherlands 4 days later.

The centre-back, who's third within the all-time cap-holders record, revealed that her two all-time highlights got here with the nationwide crew, which means this was the proper option to spherical off her profession.

"No doubt, the most effective factor I've ever performed in my life is enjoying and attending to signify your nation," she mentioned.

"There's nothing I've skilled in sport like that. That is been one thing for me that I am going to treasure and take with me for the remainder of my life."

<img class="sdc-article-image__item" loading="lazy" intrinsicsize="768x432" src="https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/768x432/skysports-corsie-rachel-scotland_6925085.jpg?20250523143853" srcset="https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/384x216/skysports-corsie-rachel-scotland_6925085.jpg?20250523143853 380w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/768x432/skysports-corsie-rachel-scotland_6925085.jpg?20250523143853 760w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/1600x900/skysports-corsie-rachel-scotland_6925085.jpg?20250523143853 1024w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/2048x1152/skysports-corsie-rachel-scotland_6925085.jpg?20250523143853 2048w" sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 1024px, 100vw" alt="Corsie (left) captained Scotland during the 2019 World Cup in France"/> Picture: Corsie (left) captained Scotland throughout the 2019 World Cup in France When requested if this seems like the proper finish, she added: "I believe it does for me. I believe it is a actually distinctive alternative.

"There's one thing particular about being Scottish. I believe it has been the one factor that is been the sunshine that I've wanted at instances to maintain going, to wish to maintain pushing.

"I am simply so delighted that I will be included, I get to be concerned, and I am wanting ahead to it."

"One in all my favorite moments and the second I believe was essentially the most euphoric, that introduced the most important pleasure was after we certified for the World Cup in Albania.

<img class="sdc-article-image__item" loading="lazy" intrinsicsize="768x432" src="https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/768x432/skysports-rachel-corsie-scotland_6925081.jpg?20250523143329" srcset="https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/384x216/skysports-rachel-corsie-scotland_6925081.jpg?20250523143329 380w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/768x432/skysports-rachel-corsie-scotland_6925081.jpg?20250523143329 760w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/1600x900/skysports-rachel-corsie-scotland_6925081.jpg?20250523143329 1024w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/2048x1152/skysports-rachel-corsie-scotland_6925081.jpg?20250523143329 2048w" sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 1024px, 100vw" alt="19/07/17 WOMENS EURO 2017 CHAMPIONSHIPS. ENGLAND V SCOTLAND (6-0). THE NETHERLANDS. Scotland's Rachel Corsie"/> Picture: Corsie featured for Scotland at two main finals, together with the 2017 Euros "I've like a really vivid visible nonetheless in my head of simply the second the referee blew for full-time. These emotions are simply unmatched.

"Within the sense of an enormous standout, highly effective second - I believe it was the day we performed England in that opening sport on the World Cup that adopted.

"A few of that features the build-up however I believe to steer your crew at their first-ever sport on the World Cup - it is a second that may't be replicated. It's a kind of issues that solely occurs as soon as once you do issues for the primary time and that second most likely fills me with essentially the most satisfaction.

"You would not have dreamt of enjoying at a World Cup after I was a child since you simply did not know that was a factor.

"It [my career] has undoubtedly surpassed every part I assumed it will, as a result of I do not even suppose I assumed what I've performed was even potential. It definitely wasn't potential after I began."

'A powerhouse in girls's soccer' <img class="sdc-article-image__item" loading="lazy" intrinsicsize="768x432" src="https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/768x432/skysports-rachel-corsie-scotland_6925082.jpg?20250523143421" srcset="https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/384x216/skysports-rachel-corsie-scotland_6925082.jpg?20250523143421 380w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/768x432/skysports-rachel-corsie-scotland_6925082.jpg?20250523143421 760w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/1600x900/skysports-rachel-corsie-scotland_6925082.jpg?20250523143421 1024w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/2048x1152/skysports-rachel-corsie-scotland_6925082.jpg?20250523143421 2048w" sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 1024px, 100vw" alt="13/09/14 FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP QUALIFIER.SCOTLAND v FAROE ISLANDS.FIR PARK - MOTHERWELL.Rachel Corsie (right) celebrates with Leanne Crichton after her goal"/> Picture: Leanne Crichton and Corsie performed collectively at membership and worldwide degree Paying tribute to her former team-mate, flat-mate and ex-Scotland worldwide Leanne Crichton mentioned: "My first reminiscence of Rachel was most likely when she got here into the U19s nationwide crew.

"She would have solely been 17, so she was a younger one which was pushed up and he or she was actually quiet, however you may inform that she was fairly inquisitive and concerned about every part that was happening.

"I keep in mind her enjoying on the suitable wing at that time, and once you have a look at her profession, it is completely unimaginable to suppose that she would have stayed there. So whoever determined that she ought to transfer again to centre-back, that was an absolute masterstroke from that coach.

"She's been an unbelievable captain and chief for the nationwide crew, each on and off the pitch, for what seems like such a protracted, very long time now. I really feel like she was all the time a pacesetter, even earlier than she was a captain.

"She's all the time put others first and he or she's all the time seemed to try to be sure that the sport is in the most effective place potential, each when she's been a part of it and trying to try to lay the foundations and guarantee that the sport's in the very best state it may very well be by the point she steps again and hangs the boots up.

"We adopted comparable paths within the sense that we each performed for Notts County, we have each represented the nationwide crew, and we have each performed at Glasgow Metropolis. Our paths have, in some unspecified time in the future, been parallel to 1 one other.

"She's been an absolute powerhouse when it comes to girls's soccer in Scotland, however not simply in Scotland, I believe throughout the UK and even over in America.

"Whenever you have a look at how a lot she labored off the pitch, to guarantee that her sport was in the most effective place potential - she's all the time comfy sufficient and keen sufficient to advocate for others, which I believe is so beneficial and it is most likely why her and I've received the friendship that we have and that we're so robust in our beliefs."

Sky Sports activities to indicate 215 stay PL video games from subsequent season <img class="sdc-article-image__item" loading="lazy" intrinsicsize="768x432" src="https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/768x432/skysports-premier-league-live_6916224.jpg?20250514143930" srcset="https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/384x216/skysports-premier-league-live_6916224.jpg?20250514143930 380w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/768x432/skysports-premier-league-live_6916224.jpg?20250514143930 760w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/1600x900/skysports-premier-league-live_6916224.jpg?20250514143930 1024w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/05/2048x1152/skysports-premier-league-live_6916224.jpg?20250514143930 2048w" sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 1024px, 100vw" alt="Sky Sports to show 215 live Premier League games from next season"/> From subsequent season, Sky Sports activities' Premier League protection will enhance from 128 matches to at the least 215 video games solely stay.