Mana Mihashi retires from football: "I'm happy with my career. Proud to have been an example"
Inter Women
— Jun 23rd 2023The Japanese midfielder speaks after calling time on her playing career
The curtain has come down on the season for Inter Women. Rita Guarino's Nerazzurre reached the Championship Round, where they managed a fifth-place finish.
There were many reasons to be satisfied this season. And there were as many emotions for Mana Mihashi as she said goodbye to Inter and to her playing career.
She began her footballing journey 23 years ago in the school game before pursuing the sport at Osaka Sports University. She joined Mynavi Vegalta in 2017, where she would stay for two seasons. Three years later, she came to Italy to sign with Sassuolo. She went on to spend two seasons with the Neroverdi before making the switch up north to Inter in the summer of 2022. She made 23 appearances for the Nerazzurre, for a total playing time of 1,713 minutes. Her experience and her leadership made her invaluable to the team.
As she called time on her playing career, Mana Mihashi spoke exclusively to Inter TV:
“I've decided to stop playing and move into coaching. I'm really happy with my career because I've met many people and visited many places. I have definitely improved as a person. The best moment for me was my first game in Serie A because it was my dream to play here in Italy. I'm proud to have been an example for my teammates. I wish to thank everyone that I've met in my 23-year career: from my teammates to the staff. Finally, thank you to my family. Really, thanks to everyone.”
Mana Mihashi