Aston Villa midfielder Marisa Ewers announces her retirement

Aston Villa midfielder Marisa Ewers has announced her retirement from football at the age of 32.

Ewers, who helped Villa secure promotion to the WSL in 2020 and captained the side as they survived the drop during their maiden season in the top flight, will move into an off-field role with the club for the remainder of the 2021/22 campaign.

"My playing career has come to an end now," the midfielder told Aston Villa's official club website. "I'm transitioning into a role off pitch which I'm really excited about, and I think now is the right time for me."

"It's the hardest decision for an athlete I think, to make that next step in the career because it's change and change is always difficult but also very exciting.

"I think I can really grow into something that will develop me personally a lot. Being on the pitch on Saturday was a proud moment because this club means a lot to me and I've had really good times with this team and this club.

"I'm just grateful and really grateful for this new opportunity that the club have given me now."

Ewers' playing career has spanned 16 years, beginning in Hamburg in her native Germany. She spent six years with her hometown side, before joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2012.

The 32-year-old moved to England in 2016 to sign for Birmingham, and joined second city rivals Villa in 2019.

Ewers made 51 appearances for Villa, scoring three goals during her two-and-a-half years with the club. She featured five times for Villa in the 2021/22 WSL season.