Everton: Denmark forward Nicoline Sorensen to retire next month aged 26

Nicoline Sorensen played for Everton during their 1-0 league win at Liverpool last month

Nicoline Sorensen will leave Everton and retire next month after telling the Women's Super League club she no longer enjoys playing football.

The Denmark forward, who played at last summer's World Cup, has decided to pursue other interests.

The 26-year-old signed a new one-year deal with Everton in July.

"After careful consideration, we have reluctantly decided to release her from her contract," said Alan McTavish, Everton Women's chief executive.

"She will remain part of the women's senior team squad until our game with Manchester City on 17 December."

Sorensen explained her decision in an Instagram post, where she wrote: "My promise to myself has always been to play as long as I enjoyed it, and that time has now come to an end."

She said it was natural that "our motivations, perspectives and passions change", and recognised her decision has come out of the blue for many.

"Whilst appreciating this might be a surprise since I'm only 26 and it's not the norm to leave the game already, it's the right decision for me to do so," Sorensen added.

"In my opinion, choices in life should not be driven by what you think others expect from you or by the outside world's perception. It should be driven by your motivation and your heart. I'm proud to stand up for myself and do what's right for me."

Sorensen won two league titles in her native Denmark before joining Everton from Brondby in July 2020.

She helped them reach the Women's FA Cup final in November 2020 and featured in all 22 of the club's WSL games in 2020-21.

In September 2021 she suffered a serious knee injury which ruled her out until December 2022, before returning to the squad and impressing during the second half of last season to help the Blues claim a top-six finish.

"Whatever Nicoline's next steps are, on behalf of everyone at Everton, I would like to wish her all the very best for the future," added McTavish.