An emotional Caroline Weir honoured Steph Houghton on Thursday night with a heart-stirring speech, praising the ex-England skipper as "a true leader who has taken the sport to new heights on and off the pitch".
Manchester City defender Houghton called an end to a commendable playing career spanning more than two decades earlier this year. The 36-year-old won 16 trophies with Arsenal and Manchester City, including three Women’s Super League titles and five FA Cup titles.
On the international stage, Houghton led the Lionesses to three major tournaments, including a third-placed finish at the 2015 Women's World Cup.
It was when captaining Team GB at the 2012 Olympics that Houghton made a lasting impression on Scotland forward Weir, who would eventually become her teammate at Arsenal, Manchester City and Team GB, claiming a plethora of trophies together before the Scottish star moved to Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2022.
Weir flew to London from Spain on Thursday to present the England icon with the Inspirational Role Model award at the second-annual Women's Football Awards in Mayfair. And a visibly moved Weir delivered a rousing speech for the now-retired Houghton.
Fan fury after just four of Euro 22 winning Lioness squad given New Year honours
"This award is for a woman who needs no introduction, but I’ll try anyway," Weir said. "Please bear with me as this is a slightly surreal moment and one that I’m not sure 16 year old Caroline would believe!
"I vividly remember watching this player represent Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics as a young aspiring footballer. Seeing her and the rest of the team play at Wembley was all the encouragement I needed. Sometimes you do have to see it to believe it."
Caroline Weir and Steph Houghton were teammates Manchester City (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)She added: "I then had the honour of being this next winner’s teammate at Arsenal, Manchester City and Team GB, where we shared some unforgettable moments. She is undoubtedly one of the most dedicated, professional and competitive players I have played with, and a true leader who has taken the sport to new heights on and off the pitch.
"I feel very lucky to call her a good friend. A couple of weekends ago, she hung up her boots on an iconic 22-year playing career, winning 16 trophies, including three Women’s Super League titles, and leading the Lionesses in three separate major tournaments.
"She is, without question, a pioneer of English football and was rightfully inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame earlier this month."
Houghton leaves behind a lengthy and glittering legacy on women's football over her 22-year career. However, the lengthy career has taken a toll on the defender's personal life.
Her husband, former Liverpool player Stephen Darby, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2018 and Houghton acknowledged a need to spend more time with family as key to her retirement decision.
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
