Wednesday 21 February 2018 22:05, UK
Casey Stoney finished her playing career by captaining Liverpool to a 3-1 victory over Sunderland in the Women’s Super League.
Stoney, 35, announced her retirement on Monday after agreeing to join new England Women head coach Phil Neville's backroom staff for the SheBelieves Cup in the United States next month and the remaining Women's World Cup qualifiers.
Before Wednesday's game, both sides lined up to give the defender a guard of honour. Two goals from Jess Clarke, and a third from Bethany England ensured that Stoney bowed out with a victory that moves the Reds up to third in WSL 1.
Speaking after the match, Stoney told Sky Sports News: "I am very emotional, tearful and sad in a way because I have played for a long time and I love this game.
"To think that I am never going to do this again, it is sad but at the same time I am really excited about the next chapter.
"I am really excited about working with Phil Neville and the England team and giving back to the game that has given me so much.
"Stepping away from the game is never easy. But when your country comes calling you can't turn that down and this was the right time."
Stoney's career began at Chelsea before moving to Arsenal and then Charlton. She returned to Chelsea in 2007 before signing for Lincoln and then a second spell at Arsenal Ladies where she lifted her fourth FA Cup title. She left Arsenal to join Liverpool in 2016.
The former England captain won 130 international caps and was part of the squad that finished third at the 2015 Women's World Cup. She also captained Team GB at the 2012 Olympics.
