Former Aston Villa, Arsenal and Spurs forward Iwabuchi announces retirement | OneFootball

Former Aston Villa, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur forward Mana Iwabuchi has announced her retirement from professional football at the age of 30.

The player issued a personal statement this morning confirming the news that she is ending her professional career.

Iwabuchi has enjoyed a 16-year senior playing career which has seen her play in Japan, Germany and England. She leaves the professional game having won six league titles across three competitions. The forward’s most successful period came with her first club Nippon TV Beleza. She won three Nadeshiko League titles, three League Cups and two Empress’s Cups.

On the international stage, Iwabuchi was a FIFA Women’s World Cup winner with Japan in 2011. She has 89 caps for her country and has scored 37 goals.

Announcing her retirement, Iwabuchi said “I have decided to retire from professional football.

“What is on my mind now is the gratitude to every single thing I experienced though this game – the support, encouragement, fighting together, the scenes, excitement, creativity – and I feel so grateful to all of you who were with me.

“Love football, love the people I met in football, and I have loved my football career. Thank you so much for everything.”

Iwabuchi left Arsenal at the end of last season following a frustrating two-year spell with the North Londoners.