Everton defender Ingrid Moe Wold will retire from football following the conclusion of the 2020/21 campaign.

The Norway international joined the Toffees last summer and has been one of the consistent performers for Willie Kirk’s side this season.

The 31-year-old has made the decision to pursue a career in physiotherapy in her home country.

Wold finishes her career with 12 major honours and has represented her country twice at the World Cup and once at the European Championship.

The Norwegian spoke of her decision to hang up her boots.

“It’s the most difficult decision in my life,” the full-back told evertontv.

“There's been some really tough few weeks but I think it’s the right decision for me and that I’m ready to start the next chapter in life.

“I’m a physiotherapist so I want to work with young athletes doing injury prevention.

“That’s my dream job so I’m really lucky to get that opportunity to have something to do after my [playing] career.

“I’m also looking forward to spending some more time with my friends and family, of course.

“I’m ready to start a new adventure.”

Wold spoke of the support she has received from the staff and players at Everton since making her announcement.

"Willie [Kirk] has been amazing through all of this.

“He was really supportive and has handled it really well.

“He’s been incredible.

“I’ve felt like I was at home from the very beginning.  

“The players are brilliant, the coach, the staff, but they are even better human beings.

“That’s what I appreciate the most and I’m so happy that I got the opportunity to get to know every single one of them.

“It really is the People’s Club and I’m really proud to have been a part of it.”

Manager Willie Kirk issued his gratitude to Wold’s commitment to Everton this season.

“I'm obviously disappointed to see Moe leave but she leaves with our best wishes,” Kirk said.

“I feel privileged to have played a part in her career and to have worked with her in these past 12 months.

“She’s sacrificed her whole life up to this point to follow her dream and follow full-time football.

“She’s obviously managed that and we are lucky enough to have had her at Everton.

“In my opinion, she’s got few years left in her easily but she’s sacrificing that to look after the long-term future in her life and that is making sure she supports her partner as he follows his dream and his job.

“That’s just the type of person she is. She sacrifices herself for the benefit of others and I think that tells you a lot about Moe as a person.

“We’ll obviously miss her around the place but as I say, what’s she done for the Club in the past 12 months has been fantastic.

“She’s been so consistent and professional everyday she’s been in.”

Wold played an integral part on taking the Toffees to Wembley this season. A memory and an experience she will never forget.

“I never would have imagined that I would play in an FA Cup final at Wembley.

“That was really huge and one of the best moments of my career.

“It’s been a dream.

“Getting the opportunity to come here and experience the most competitive league in the world.

“To meet world-class players every single day and every single weekend, it’s been amazing.

“I’m happy I could end my career here.”

Everyone at the Club would like to wish Ingrid Moe Wold all the best for her future and a happy retirement.