Sophie Istillart held an emotional press conference at Lezama after announcing that she would be retiring from football at the end of the season. Accompanied by all her Athletic Club Women teammates, president Aitor Elizegi and director of sport Joseba Agirre, the player from the Northern Basque Country explained why she has decided to hang up her boots.

“This is a very special day for me. Leaving football behind is, without a doubt, the most difficult decision of my life,” Istillart said

“It was a personal choice, I’m not doing this because I wasn’t happy here, but because I really think it’s the end of a chapter for me. It’s a very well thought-out decision and one which I started to consider before the injury. My knee injury felt like a sign: it was time.

“I’ve been away from home for a long time and I think it’s time to go back and be close to my family. I’m sad to leave like this, but that’s life and I need to start a new journey.”

Sophie arrived at Lezama from Bordeaux two years ago, becoming the first ever footballer from the Northern Basque Country to play for Athletic Club Women.

She said: “I’ve had two incredible seasons here, the best sporting and human experience of my life. You are all great and you’ve made me very happy. I am aware of everything Athletic has done for me and I am extremely grateful. It is an honour to have defended the crest and the values of this Club, because they are also my values.

“I’ve given everything for my passion and today I feel that my sporting career has come to an end. I achieved my dream of becoming a professional player and I’ve had the honour of playing for Athletic. I will always be this Club’s biggest supporter.”

Sophie Istillart will continue to be linked to Athletic Club, working on the recruitment and training of players in the Northern Basque Country.