Scotland international, Emma Mukandi, has confirmed her full retirement from domestic and international football.
The defender amassed 75 senior caps across a 14-year career following her debut against France in 2011. The 32-year-old also captained the Under-19 and Under-17 sides before progressing quickly to the ‘A’ squad.
The centre-half also calls time on her club career which started out at Glasgow City in 2008 before heading to the Frauen-Bundesliga in 2013 ahead of a 7-year stint at Arsenal. The defender left London City Lionesses in the summer after 3 years in the WSL with Reading.
Reflecting on her Scotland career, Emma said: “It’s so hard to sum up how I feel about playing for Scotland, representing my country is without a doubt the pinnacle of my career. First of all, I’m so proud to be Scottish and to pull that top on 75 times was such a privilege. The memories I have from all of the youth squads and into the senior side will stay with me forever.
“The football is just one part of it, but the girls that I met along the way and the times we had together is something that I’ll always treasure. You almost can’t describe what it means to play for Scotland because it’s not just the game, but everything that comes with it. The pride, the heartbreak, the successes and the laughs, all done with some of the best people that I’ve ever met.”
Emma returned to the Scotland squad after giving birth in 2021, looking back Emma added: “It made it even more special to have Innes with me on my international journey. I never thought I’d be able to have those moments after having a baby so to come back into the squad as a Mum is one of my greatest achievements.
“There’s truly nothing like playing for Scotland, it’s the best ever. I wish Melissa and the team all the best in qualifying for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup, we’ll be supporting you all the way.”