Interview'I just tried to enjoy and embrace the day' - Gemma Bonner describes final LFC appearance
Gemma Bonner reflected on an emotional day after making her final appearance for Liverpool FC Women.
After coming off the bench in the second half of the 3-1 defeat by Arsenal at Anfield on the last day of the season on Saturday, legendary defender Bonner will leave the Reds this summer having made 187 appearances across two spells with the club.
Bonner captained Liverpool to back-to-back top-flight titles in 2013 and 2014 and, after returning in 2023, helped the Reds to re-establish themselves back in the Barclays Women's Super League.
Following the game against Arsenal – and the celebratory presentations made to her and Gemma Evans, who also departs this summer – Bonner spoke to Sky Sports.
Read the interview below.
How do you feel after making your final appearance for the club?
It's obviously been an emotional one but I think I'm proud of what I've achieved at this club and I was so happy to get out there in front of the fans today. I am just extremely proud of what I've achieved and it's an incredible club to be a part of, I don't think I can say much more for how much love I've got for this club. I'm just extremely proud of what I have achieved and I can't really thank the club enough.
Did it feel like a full-circle moment for it to end here at Anfield, in front of these supporters and with your family here?
Yeah, I think it was amazing just walking out. I just tried to enjoy the day, to be honest, right from the warm-up, walking in off the bus, everything, I've just tried to enjoy it and embrace it because there's no feeling like that: walking out at Anfield with the fans there. And to have all my family here, obviously they've been through the ride with me so I'm just really grateful.
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You captained Liverpool to back-to-back WSL titles in your first spell. Do you feel that more good times will come for the club in the future after your second spell here?
Yeah, for sure… I think we've made great strides in recent years. Obviously having our own facilities was a huge step [towards] that. Not just Liverpool but the game in general has grown so much and you can see the effect on the league and how much more competitive it is. So, I think for Liverpool it's the start. It's definitely been a process, especially since I've been back when we first got promoted back into the WSL, and I think I can leave knowing that I've left the club in a better place. I'm proud of what I've done.
Finally, how do you sum up your Liverpool career?
It's probably hard to say but I think right now it's overwhelming, just all the love and support that's been given. I think what I feel from the club, it just sums up in terms of how special the people are, and the city. It's what I felt from day one and I think that just sums it up. I can't thank everyone enough.