Heather O'Reilly

Shelbourne have confirmed the signing of American former World Cup winner and three-time Olympic gold medalist Heather O'Reilly.

We’re thrilled to bring one of the greatest players to ever play the game to Tolka Park. It’s an amazing moment for the club and for the Women’s National League as a whole to have a player of Heather’s stature. O’Reilly scored 47 goals and registered 55 assists for the USA during her international career. Ireland is where my family came from before moving to the US, so there’s a special connection. Prior to her international retirement in 2016, O’Reilly won a World Cup and three Olympic gold medals for her country. We got talking after one of the sessions, and he said, ‘Heather, you are very good, you should still play’. I said, ‘Oh thanks Arsene, maybe. I never did play Champions League football, and it always bothered me.’ He says, ‘You should do it.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 12: Mark Wright of Team England is challenged by Heather O'Reilly of Team World XI during the Soccer Aid for Unicef 2022 match between ...

“It’s an amazing moment for the club and for the Women’s National League as a whole to have a player of Heather’s stature. “I’m relishing the chance to put on the boots again and hoping my experience and skills play a part in the pursuit of silverware.” “I’m delighted to sign for this great club and help Shels on the journey to become one of the best teams the island of Ireland has ever seen. “Arsene Wenger was the catalyst to get me out of retirement, get the boots back on and give it a go with Shelbourne FC.” O’Reilly added: “I felt I had more to give, and the project at Shelbourne FC caught my eye from across the Atlantic. LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 12: Mark Wright of Team England is challenged by Heather O'Reilly of Team World XI during the Soccer Aid for Unicef 2022 match between Team England and Team World XI at London Stadium on June 12, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)“I played in Soccer Aid a few months ago.

Former USWNT international Heather O'Reilly has come out of retirement to join Irish club Shelbourne FC on a one-year deal.

We got talking after one of the sessions, and he said, 'Heather, you are very good, you should still play'. I said, 'Oh thanks Arsene, maybe.' I never did play Champions League football, and it always bothered me’ “He says, ‘You should do it. She said, “I played in Soccer Aid a few months ago.

O'Reilly has three Olympic gold medals as well as her World Cup medal. Today's top videos. STORY CONTINUES BELOW. She retired in 2019 having notched 231 caps ...

I don't know if it was known that I was interested in coming out of retirement. 'I think that’s sort of part of why I’m going as well. People needed to know that I was interested.

O'Reilly announced the news on the BBC World Football podcast, saying her participation in Soccer Aid was a catalyst in her decision.

I feel that I could bring some eyeballs onto this league, bring some eyeballs onto this team and grow the game a little bit whilst living out this dream of mine to play Champions League football. I think in particular, our younger players will flourish sharing the stage with a player who has seen, done and won it all.” “A lot of people will look at this, raise some eyebrows and think that this is an interesting career move, but I’m chasing my dream. It was a disappointing end to my time over with Arsenal when I wrapped up with them in 2018, it irked me, it bothered me. “I am somebody that chases their dreams,” O’Reilly said on the podcast. O’Reilly, who won a World Cup and three Olympic gold medals with the USWNT through 231 appearances, retired in 2019.

Former USWNT international Heather O'Reilly has come out of retirement to join Irish club Shelbourne FC on a one-year deal.

We got talking after one of the sessions, and he said, 'Heather, you are very good, you should still play'. I said, 'Oh thanks Arsene, maybe.' I never did play Champions League football, and it always bothered me’ “He says, ‘You should do it. She said, “I played in Soccer Aid a few months ago.