Parnell, 30, represented Southampton’s Centre of Excellence between the ages of nine and 12 before returning to St Mary’s in 2019. After returning the club from London Bees, Parnell accomplished a longstanding desire of representing the team she grew up loving and played a vital part in their consecutive promotions.

The centre defender was later elected club captain when they become completely professional following promotion to the Championship, the second division of the women’s game in England, ahead of the 2022/23 season.

In all, Parnell made 86 appearances and scored twice over the five seasons she was with the Saints. In an open letter to Southampton supporters, she admits to experiencing a mix of emotions as she calls stop on her playing career.

“It’s a simple decision because when you know it’s right, you know, and for me psychologically and physically I know it’s the appropriate time,” she wrote.

“However, having made the decision in January, it’s been a tough few months topped off with being injured and not being able to help the team end on the high I’d imagined.”

Southampton Women’s captain Rosie Parnell has declared her retirement from football | Robin Jones/GettyImages

“I honestly can’t explain how proud I am to have represented this club and to have captained the side to many successes over the years, this club will always be special to me and I will continue to be a super Saints fan in the stands.”

The club’s director of women’s football, Marieanne Spacey-Cale, added: “It has been a joy working with Rosie over the last five years, and she has been a vital component of the squad at such a crucial moment in our history.

“As a leader, a professional, a teammate and as captain, Rosie has always given all and, as a role model to players around her, she can be proud of her successes both on and off the pitch with us.

“I know she’ll now be as vociferous of a fan of the team off the pitch as she was as captain on it. From me, and on behalf of all the staff and players, thank you for everything.”

Southampton finished fourth in the Championship in the 2023/24 season, seven points off championship winners Crystal Palace. It was their greatest ever result in the league, after they placed sixth in the standings in their maiden season in 22/23.

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