Chelsea captain Bright announces immediate retirement

Chelsea captain Millie Bright has announced her retirement from football with immediate effect, ending her career due to injury.

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The England defender, who has led Chelsea as captain, made the announcement on Tuesday, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished career spanning over a decade. Bright has been a key figure for both club and country, accumulating numerous appearances and winning multiple trophies with Chelsea.

The 31-year-old centre-back has battled with injury throughout recent seasons, which ultimately contributed to her decision to step away from professional football. Her leadership qualities saw her appointed as Chelsea captain, guiding the team through several successful campaigns.

Bright's retirement marks the end of an era for Chelsea's women's team, where she established herself as one of the most reliable defenders in the Women's Super League. She earned over 70 caps for England and was widely regarded as one of the country's top defenders before injury curtailed her career. The football community has begun paying tribute to her achievements following the announcement.