Liverpool defender and the WSL's all-time appearance holder Gilly Flaherty has retired from professional football due to family reasons.
The 31-year-old joined the Reds last July from West Ham, having worn the captain's armband at the east London club
It was against the Hammers that Flaherty played her final WSL game - number 177 - in December, keeping a clean sheet as Liverpool won 2-0. Her final game as a professional came as a second-half substitute in the Conti Cup against Manchester City at Prenton Park
She had broken Lioness Jill Scott's WSL appearance record in November when she made WSL appearance number 176 against Brighton and now steps away from her playing career for family reasons.
In a statement, Flaherty said: "I've taken the decision to retire from professional football. It isn't a decision I've taken lightly but one I've reached after speaking with those closest to me.
"Losing my dad just before Christmas has left me heartbroken - for 22 years we shared our love of football and playing wise I don't want to carry on without him by my side.
"Playing wise I know the right decision is for me to call it a day. The time is right for me to be around my family and to be nearest to those closest to me.
"I want to thank Liverpool, especially Beardy [Matt Beard] and Russ [Fraser] for bringing me to the club.
"I'd also like to thank the Liverpool fans for supporting me and taking me in. Even though it has not been a finished journey I'd like to think the fans saw commitment and dedication to the badge from me and I gave 110 per cent in every game.
