Glasgow City striker Clare Shine is retiring form professional football at the age of just 27.
The Irish international, who has been capped seven times by her country, has called time on her career despite her tender years due to mental health issues.
She has overcome panic attacks and addiction problems in the past but now feels the time is right to bow out of elite sport, with the punishing demands it places on athletes.
Her final game will come on Sunday when she faces Hearts in the SWPL at Petershill.
An emotional statement released on social media said:"As athletes we always have high standards and push ourselves to the limit every time we step out onto the pitch. I have given football everything I have for the last 22 years, incredible highs abut also intense lows. Throughout the last few years I have struggled both mentally and physically to reach the demands as a professional footballer and with that I have decided it's time for me to put myself first and step away from football.
"My happiness and well-being needs to come first and I'm excited to begin the next chapter of my life.
"I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in my incredible journey as a footballer and who have supported me through the good and the bad, I am proud of everything I have achieved, and I am looking forward to new beginnings and setting new goals. Thank you for everything."
Glasgow City chief executive Laura Montgomery paid tribute to her departing player.
She said:“I remember the day I brought Clare Shine to Glasgow City and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Throughout our 25 years as a football club there are only a small a number of players who have completely embodied every single aspect of Glasgow City.
"Our values, our ambitions, our standards and what it means to pull on our jersey and Clare is one of them. She will be a massive loss on the pitch and in the dressing room, but thankfully she will remain an integral part of our club and help us continue with our aims and objectives off the field. Without doubt Clare Shine and Glasgow City has been a great partnership, we have been good for each other and I hope she retires with only the very best memories and knowing that she is forever a huge part of this club."
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