Aileen Whelan Announces Retirement
- Aileen Whelan announces retirement from professional football
- Midfielder calls time on an extensive senior career
- The 32-year-old retires with over 150 WSL appearances
The 32-year-old, who joined the Foxes from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022, could make her final professional appearance in City’s season finale at home to Liverpool at King Power Stadium on Saturday 18 May (3pm kick-off).
Having made 53 appearances for Leicester City since her arrival, Aileen has made a significant contribution to the team’s steady rise in recent seasons and has been a key figure in setting standards and leading by example.
Aileen was immediately named as captain upon her arrival at King Power Stadium in July 2022, and has since helped the Foxes secure their league status and become an established force in the women’s game.
Speaking to LCFC.com, Aileen said: “At the start of this season, I decided to call time on my playing career at the end of the current campaign. I’ve had a long time to prepare for this moment and I'm sure it’s the right decision. Making the transition won't be easy, but it’s something I've been working on for a while.
"Professional football has been my life for the past decade. I've committed every day to the game and known no different. However, life changes, and now is the right time for me to focus on my beautiful family. I want to focus my attention and time on bringing up my children and making memories at home. My weekends will now be filled with adventures and exploring, and I can be present for all the milestones my children make.
“I will miss the game, the team-mates I've had the pleasure of working with and the fun that we've had along the way. I've got a lot to look back at and celebrate, and now I'll be LCFC Women's biggest supporter. To captain LCFC Women in the WSL has been a true honour and one I am very proud of. My time at the Club has been full of highs and lows, but we never gave up or let anything compromise our team character. I can whole-heartedly say, we gave it everything.
"Finally, I would like to express a sincere thanks to all the past and present players, coaches, managers and staff members in the background that I've worked with. I have made friends for life and will continue to support you all on your journeys. One final thank you is to the fans, from Notts County, Everton, Brighton and LCFC Women. You supported me without question and I'm forever grateful."
The versatile operator has enjoyed a distinguished career within the professional ranks having represented Notts County, Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion prior to making the switch to Filbert Way.
Aileen immediately brought a winning mentality to Belvoir Drive, having previously played a prominent part in Brighton & Hove Albion’s rise from FA WSL 2 in 2018 towards the team becoming an established WSL side over the following seasons.
In her 53 games in Leicester colours, 42 of which were starts, Aileen returned five goals and three assists from midfield, as well as an immeasurable contribution to the team’s progress off the field.
Everyone associated with LCFC Women would like to offer their thanks to Aileen for her hard work and commitment while representing the Foxes.