England forward Kelly Smith spoke of her 'great honour' after being part of the FIFA World Player of the Year Gala on Monday evening.
Smith was one of five nominees for the FIFA Women's World Player of the Year award, and while Brazil's Marta would ultimately retain her crown it was a source of great pride for Smith to be in such company.
"It's amazing to be here," she told FIFA.com. "I'm thrilled and trying to take everything in. I'm very proud to be here - and proud to be nominated as one of the best five players in the world - alongside the likes of [Birgit] Prinz and Marta - it's an honour and a great personal achievement."
Smith was part of the England side that qualified for their third major tournament in succession during 2008, clinching their place at the European Championship in Finland with a thrilling 2-2 draw away to Spain in the final qualifier. Smith scored the equaliser that night after Hope Powell's side had trailed 2-0 at half-time, and England will now be looking to improve on their quarter-final showing at the World Cup in China.
It was England's run to the last eight on the world stage that Smith still holds as the proudest moment of her footballing career, a run that saw her score four goals during the finals and later be named in the team of the tournament.
"The highlight of my career so far has been playing in the 2007 World Cup and reaching the quarter-finals," she continued. "It was our first World Cup for 12 years and it was a big accomplishment for our team.
"I'm proud of that and also because of the fact that I scored four goals in the tournament. To play in big stadiums, in front of big crowds and against the best teams and players in the world was an incredible experience."
Smith's remaining aim in football is to go one better and win the tournament with England
"For me now, the No. 1 goal is to win the World Cup," she smiled. "It's every child's dream - and I'm no different."