LEICESTER CITY DEFENDER SIMON ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

I wish to play for the Warriors if given the opportunity to do so.

Leicester City defender Erin Simon has announced her retirement from playing at the age of 28.

FAWSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Foxes this evening.

Simon joined Leicester City on a free transfer last summer. The player went on to make 15 appearances for the club in all competitions during the 2022/2023 season.

The defender has had to battle some difficult personal challenges off the field in recent times and she has determined that the time is right to end her career as a professional footballer.

After her retirement was announced, Simon said “I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to Leicester City fans and everyone associated with the Football Club for welcoming me as part of their family over this past year.

“Off the pitch, this has been a challenging period for me, during which, with the support of the Club, I’ve been able to take a step away from football to focus on my mental health at home in the United States. This time has allowed me to heal, reflect and revaluate – things that have ultimately led to my decision to retire from playing.

“To everyone involved with Leicester City, I wish you every success in the coming season where I will be watching closely as a friend and supporter. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making me feel so welcome during my time with the Club. To anyone struggling with their mental health, I urge you to seek out the support that’s available to you and talk to others.”

Simon hangs up her boots following a seven-year senior playing career that has seen her turn out for Sky Blue FC, West Ham United, Houston Dash, Racing Louisville and Leicester City.

I am the editor and owner of FAWSL Full-Time magazine. I have been reporting on men’s and women’s football at various levels since summer 2015. Some of the events which I have reported from include the 2017 UEFA Women’s European Championship, 2018 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup, FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019, SSE Women’s FA Cup final, Emirates FA Cup final, UEFA Europa League, English Football League and various international matches. READ MORE

Five of Leicester City’s internationals have returned to training after an extended break as they work for the first time under new manager Enzo Maresca.

City’s squad returned to the Seagrave training centre on Monday as they started their preparations for the Championship season. Players underwent testing in the gym as well as being out on the training pitch as Maresca implements his style of play.

While the majority of the squad returned on the first day, including new signings Harry Winks and Conor Coady, those who had featured in international games in June were given some extra time off. Most of those players were back in training, with images shared by the club on social media.

Patson Daka, Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi, Danny Ward and Victor Kristiansen have all been back with the City squad on the Seagrave training pitches. Daka and Iheanacho return after scoring for Zambia and Nigeria respectively in their international clashes, while Kristiansen made his full international debut in the June internationals.

Despite being in action for Australia in June, Harry Souttar has been part of training since the start of pre-season. The defender pictured taking part in sessions on the first day.

Four players who are yet to return are defender and captain Jonny Evans, who is now out of contract with the club. Talks are ongoing over a new deal after his current one expired at the end of last month.

Belgium duo Wout Faes and Timothy Castagne also don’t appear in any of the images shared. It comes as Castagne has been heavily linked with a move to Juventus this summer.

Luke Thomas also remains on international duty. He played the full 90 minutes of England U21s’ Euro’s semi-final against Israel this week.

A 3-0 win means that the Young Lions will take part in the final on Saturday. They will come up against Spain U21s with kick off at 5pm.