Scotland and Glasgow City forward Fiona Brown announces retirement decision

Scotland international Fiona Brown will retire from football at the end of this season after fighting back from an ACL injury for the fourth time in her career.

The 30-year-old Glasgow City forward said she cannot afford to risk further damage to her body, but is hopeful of making a farewell appearance before she hangs up her boots, with her club still chasing the SWPL title and Scottish Cup.

“The risk is that I could easily get injured again and with my body type and history, I can’t afford to do that as there is not much more that could be done,” Brown said.

Brown began her career with Celtic and then moved to Glasgow City before six years in Sweden with Eskilstuna United and then FC Rosengard.

The forward, who returned to City last year, amassed 61 Scotland caps after making her international debut in 2015.

“If you had told me when I was younger what I would achieve despite everything that has happened I would be genuinely chuffed,” she said. “It’s been one of the biggest privileges of my career to represent my country. To do it 61 times is more than I could have imagined.

“I’ve played alongside some of the world’s best players and been a part of some unbelievable international squads. So many of my international teammates have become friends for life.

“The memories I have from the youth camps to the Euros and World Cup will stay with me forever and I’m incredibly proud of everything we achieved and experienced together.”

The Scottish Football Association’s head of girls’ and women’s football, Shirley Martin, said: “Fiona is a wonderful example of talent, hard work and resilience.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Fiona on a wonderful international career which will be an inspiration for young girls and boys across Scotland for many years to come.”