Arsenal Women’s German international Tabea Kemme has announced her retirement from football after unsuccessfully battling with multiple knee injuries.
The 28-year old signed for the Gunners in the summer of 2018 but has been restricted to just three appearances from the substitute’s bench since signing. Kemme has 47 caps for Germany playing in every outfield position and won an Olympic gold with her country in 2016.
Tabea Kemme of @ArsenalWFC announces her retirement at 28 due to injury?
? Won 2010 #UWCL with @turbinepotsdam
??? Won 2016 Olympic gold, 2010 #U20WWC and 2008 #WU17EURO with @DFB_Frauen?? pic.twitter.com/TgbDmZivZ4
— #UWCL (@UWCL) January 14, 2020
Kemme took a two-year leave of absence from the police in Potsdam, Germany where she had spent all of her professional career prior to joining Arsenal. She suffered a meniscus injury in the spring of 2018, after her transfer to North London had already been agreed.
Kemme started in the Emirates Cup against Bayern Munich in July, but lasted only 45 minutes and has not been able to play since. With her Arsenal contract set to expire in the summer and with another professional career in the police force, she has decided to call time on her playing days. Kemme worked as a pundit on German television during the World Cup last summer and hinted that she was considering retirement due to persistent knee injuries.
Such a shame. Never nice to see someone have to give up the sport they love.
On another note, though… anyone notice a resemblance to a certain little Russian once employed by The Arsenal? 😉
I wonder that if she was male, she would be able to return as the men are paid whilst injured & receive top specialist treatment. In the female game the money isn’t the same so not sure if this is the case.
Nah her knees are done. She’s had a torn cartilage- which has set the groundwork for this meniscus injury that she can’t shake off. Once you do knee cartilage badly, it’s difficult to come back to the level required for an athlete.
Always a shame when injury forces retirement from the game. At least she has a career plan ahead of her. All the best to Tabea.
Sad that I barely saw her playing, except for her country which had made me so excited she was coming to the Arsenal. Good luck with your future, Tabea, and never forget you were a Gunner!
Such a shame, she should be in her prime, really feel for the girl.
Something very Arsenal about this.
Wishing you all the best, dear.
Oh bugger! What could have been.
She was always one of my favourites in the German side and was flabergasted when it was announced she was coming to be a Gunner.
Not totally unexpected but a shame nevertheless that she couldn’t show what she could do in the WSL.
Good luck policewoman Tabi!
Shame we never got to see her. Loved the positivity in her retirement announcement. Football not the be all and end all of life with this women. Best wishes Tabea.
How very sad, and sad for us because we never got to see her play. All the very best to Tabea Kemme – criminals of Potsdam watch out!