SHOCK FOR CITY AS SHINE CALLS TIME ON PLAYING CAREER

GLASGOW CITY forward Clare Shine announced her shock retirement from football yesterday.

The 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international is expected to be part of City’s squad who play Hearts this afternoon but any appearance will be her last as she prioritises happiness over her playing career.

Shine has been candid about her struggles with mental health with her book Scoring Goals In The Dark, released earlier this year, revealing the full extent of how she has suffered.

At one stage she explained she could not go ‘three minutes without putting alcohol or something else into my body’.

She announced her decision on social media, along with a press release from Glasgow City. She will continue to work with the City Foundation.

Shine has made 105 appearances and scored 70 goals, the joint 11th highest in Glasgow City history. So far this term she has played five times and hit a hat-trick in the SWPL opener with Spartans.

‘After everything happened in 2020 (she had a breakdown, tried to take her own life for the second time), it opened up my eyes to a lot of other things,’ said Shine.

‘I have tried numerous things. I have given 100 per cent when I have been asked and it just hasn’t worked out.

‘It has come to a stage where I am in a position where I feel like I am ready to step away from football.

‘It is a massive step. It is going to be a huge change for me but I will always have that support system through Glasgow City.

‘I will always have the girls and the staff and I know the friendships and connections I have made here will be lifelong.

‘I am ready to open another chapter of my life and put my wellbeing and happiness first and go after other things that I want to achieve in my life.’

Eileen Gleeson, Glasgow City boss, praised the courage of the Cork-born striker.

‘The end of an era,’ she said. ‘It is with a mixture of sadness and admiration that I pay tribute to a very special person and player. Clare has been an outstanding footballer throughout her career, a brilliant ambassador for both club and country.

‘As Clare makes the brave decision, I wish her every success in her exciting new ventures and remind her we will always be here.’

City chief executive Laura Montgomery praised Shine, saying: ‘She will be a huge loss on the pitch and in the dressing-room, but thankfully she will remain an integral part of our club moving forward.’