Natasha Harding, Welsh Forward and Centurion, Decides to Retire

Wales Forward Natasha Harding Announces Retirement

Welsh football fans were left stunned as forward Natasha Harding, 34, recently revealed her retirement from the sport. With an impressive career spanning over a decade and playing in both domestic and international leagues, Harding’s decision marks the end of an era.

Career Highlights

During her time on the field, Harding made 100 appearances for Wales, scoring an impressive 26 goals. At club level, she had stints with Cardiff City, Bristol Academy, Manchester City, Liverpool, Reading, and Aston Villa. Her versatility as a player earned her recognition as one of Women’s Super League’s most formidable performers.

A Bittersweet Farewell

In a heartfelt social media post announcing her retirement journey,Harding expressed mixed emotions. Initially fearing the word “retirement” like Peter Pan fearing growing old in Neverland,she ultimately felt it was the right time to hang up her boots.

The Journey Begins: Cardiff City and Bristol Academy

Hailing from Cardiff City,a young Harding captained their side during a memorable five-year spell before making a switch to Bristol Academy which truly propelled her career to new heights.Hard work paid off for this talented athlete,and she emergedasoneofthe top-level playersinwomen’sfootball.Thepassionanddedication sheshowedduringthisperiodwasundeniable..

A Dream Deferred: Washington Spirit & Manchester City

In2014,NatashaHardingsignedwithWashingtonSpiritintheUnitedStates,marking adreamcometrueforher.However, duetovisaissues,theanticipatedmovefailed to materialize.HerfatewouldleadhertobecomeapartofManchesterCityforashortperiod. Unfortunately,thisendeavordidn’tyieldthedesiredresultsandsoon,shefoundherself transferred to Liverpoolwhere she struggledtoestablishastrongpresence inthenortheast.

A Resurgence: Reading FC and Aston Villa

It was not until 2018 that Harding found her form again after joining Reading FC.She displayed remarkable skills on the field, earning the captain’s armband and establishing herself as one of Women’s Super League’s most versatile performers.

In2022,Hardingmadeamove toAstonVilla,aclubthatpromisednewopportunities.But,fatehadotherplans;afteronlyfourappearances,she was excluded from their squad list released on Friday, marking an unexpected turn of events for both the player and fans alike.

An Impactful International Journey

HardingrepresentedWalesontheinternationalstage since making her debut in 2008.Becominganintegralpartofthedragonsside,Hardingachieveda significantmilestone byearning her100thcapina3-0victoryoverKazakhstanonaWomen’sWorldCupqualifier.Her goalinthisgamealso markedher26th internationalgoal,making hereighth playerinthecountry’ historytoreachthisfeat.Journeyingonthis path with great pride ,she stands alongside WelshfootballlegendslikeLorenDykes,JessFishlock,SophieIngle,GarethBale,ChrisGunter, Wayne Hennessey,and Helen Ward who have also represented Wales over a hundred times.

Gratitude and Reflection

Football has been an incredible journey for Harding, granting her numerous opportunities, lifelong friendships,and invaluable experiences.She expressed heartfelt appreciation to all the managers she worked with throughout her career, acknowledging their role in shaping the player she became.

In addition,Hardingexpressedgratitudetothewomen’ssuperleaguefor their acceptanceand support ofapassionateWelshwomanlikeherself. She witnessed firsthandthe growthofthis leagueandsaluteditshistorical development.TheRedWall,theunwavering Welshfootballfans,werealso acknowledgedbyHarding fortheirrelentlessupportovertheyears.Theyserved as a constant source of inspiration whenever she had the privilege of donning the Wales shirt.