England women's football defender Millie Bright announced that she will retire from the national team.
The 32-year-old Chelsea women's football captain Millie is a member of England's 2022 European Cup champions. She made her senior team debut in September 2016 and subsequently represented the national team 88 times.
Millie told The Rest is Football podcast: "I've been weighing it up for a long time and it's one of those decisions that no one can make for you. It's a feeling and I'm at peace with it."
Millie was unable to participate in England's European Championship defense in Switzerland in July because she withdrew from the event because she felt she could not give "100 per cent mentally or physically".
This summer, she underwent successful knee surgery and began receiving psychological counseling. She said that the decision to quit the national team was "the best decision she has ever made."
Milly said: "Reflecting over the summer, healing my knee, and clearing my mind really made me see things clearly. As you get older, your priorities change. I have always longed for family time, time with friends and time to myself."
"I Incredibly proud and honored to have played for England for so long, every appearance has been special and the memories I've made are some of the best of my life, but yes, it's time. Now is the right time for me to retire from the national team. "
Millie added: "Physically, I'm at that crossroads, can I give 50% to England and 50% to Chelsea? I want to devote myself to it. To give myself the best chance of doing this and to do the best for my club, I Maybe the national team needs to be a little more restrained. "
Millie said that due to a knee injury, she had not considered participating in this year's European Cup at all: "I didn't even think about football in the summer. I had knee surgery, and that was definitely my top priority. My body couldn't handle it and I couldn't compete in the European Cup.
Wegman, the head coach of the England women's football team, said: "Millie will always be a legend in England for everything she has done for her country. Her influence during my tenure will be astonishing to me." I can’t say enough. "
"Whether she wears the armband or not, she is a true leader. I know how much respect Millie has earned in the industry, not just for the trophies she has won but for the way she carries herself. She has made such a huge contribution to English football both on and off the pitch and we all owe her a huge debt of gratitude. Although her playing days with England may be over, I know she has much more to offer the sport. "