England ace Jill Scott brings curtain down on Manchester City spell with midfielder leaving WSL giants this summer

JILL SCOTT has called time on her Manchester City career with the player to depart after almost a decade.

The Sunderland-born WSL ace, 35, will leave the club after her contract ends this summer after an eight-and-a-half-year spell.

Her announcement comes a day after Georgia Stanway confirmed her Bayern Munich move, with Caroline Weir linked with Real Madrid.

Following her 2013 switch from Everton Scott helped the Citizens to eight major trophy wins

These include three FA Cups and City’s first WSL title win back in 2016.

WSL veteran Scott, who spent the second half of last term on loan at Aston Villa, said: “It’s been a real journey over the past eight or so years.

"I remember sitting down and hearing the plans of what the club were going to do, and I was so excited to be a part of that.

“Looking back at what we’ve achieved in that time in terms of trophies and generally as a team, I can’t really believe it.

“I’m forever grateful that I’ve been surrounded by such talented players and coaching staff who have enabled me to grow as a player.

“I never thought I'd be here saying goodbye to Manchester City, but all good things come to an end eventually and I’ve had so many amazing memories along the way."

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Scott, who runs her own coffee shop in Manchester, added: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to our supporters too.

"They’ve just been incredible, especially for me personally, and I feel we’ve built a special relationship over the years.

“I’m sure we’ll stay in touch wherever my next step takes me, and they know, as with so many people at City, that they’re always welcome for a coffee!”

Scott, who began her senior playing career at Sunderland in 2004, made 194 appearances for City across all competitions.

Head Coach Gareth Taylor said: “Playing 194 games for one club is an incredible achievement.

"Jill has played a crucial part in so many of the team’s successes over the years alongside making such a difference to the game as a whole.

Omar Berrada, Chief Football Operations Manager at Manchester City, added: “It has been an absolute pleasure to have had Jill, a player who has done so much for the women’s game.

"She is one of football’s finest characters.”

Scott is due to return to the Academy Stadium early next season

The League Cup holders intend to honour the midfielder and celebrate her career at the club.

The England ace also made seven appearances for Villa during her loan spell this season.

Villans boss Carla Ward is thought to be keen to bring the player back to the Midlands outfit.

And BBC Sport reports Tottenham are also among the sides interested in Scott.