Anita Asante to captain Aston Villa for last two WSL games after announcing her retirement
By Ali Rampling
Carla Ward has confirmed that Anita Asante will captain Aston Villa for the club's final two games of the WSL season, after the defender announced her retirement on Tuesday.
Asante is one of English football's all-time greats, earning 71 caps for the Lionesses, representing Team GB at London 2012 and winning the Champions League.
She will bring the curtain down on her glittering playing career with a trip to Arsenal - a club where she progressed through the academy, spent five years in the first team, won the quadruple and dreams of managing one day - followed by a second city derby against Birmingham at Villa Park on the final day of the season.
"What an unbelievable two games to end your career," Ward said. "I'm going to be giving her the armband for the remaining two games - I probably need to tell her because you lot are probably going to report it now.
"To finish her career at Villa Park against the Blues in a derby is going to be sensational, you just couldn't write it. She'll lead the team out in both games and it will be a pleasure to enjoy those moments with her."
The 37-year-old has featured in 19 of Villa's 20 WSL matches this season, and turned in an inspired performance in her side's most recent league outing, helping to preserve a clean sheet as Villa held Champions League chasing Manchester United to a 0-0 draw.
Ward admitted that she attempted to convince Asante to stay for another year, and although she was unsuccessful in persuading her to prolong her playing career, she would like her to remain at Villa in another role beyond the end of the season.
She added: "About a month ago I said: 'listen, I know that you're seriously considering retiring, but you're in the form of your life, can we convince you to stay for another season?' She actually went away and considered it for a few days and I'm thinking brilliant, she's staying, this is great.
"A couple of weeks ago I said: 'look, have you fully decided, what are you doing?' She said: 'yeah, I can finish on a high this way'.
"She is an outstanding human being and quite honestly I want to keep her here next season, in what capacity I don't know, but I'd love to keep her here because she's an absolutely joy to be around.
"One of the best people I've ever worked with; humble, honest, helps the younger players, helps the senior players, has helped me massively. I'm still young in my management so I do look to the senior players sometimes. Legend, absolute legend."