Former Chelsea and England defender Millie Bright has revealed the devastating impact of social media abuse, describing it as 'too much to handle' as she reflects on her retirement from football.
Bright, who stepped away from international duty last year and recently left Chelsea after 294 appearances, sat down with BBC Sport's Jo Currie to discuss the darker side of fame in women's football.
'I lost myself,' Bright admitted, recalling how online harassment took a toll on her mental well-being during a glittering career that included eight Women's Super League titles, six FA Cups, and four League Cups.
The 30-year-old spoke candidly about the need for stronger protections for athletes, urging platforms and authorities to take control of the situation. Her comments come amid growing concern over abuse directed at female footballers, with Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor also recently addressing the issue.
Despite the challenges, Bright looks back with pride on her achievements, including England's historic Euro 2022 victory. However, she hopes her story will spark change.
This interview is available to UK users only.