England Women’s all-time record goalscorer Kelly Smith has announced her retirement from football.
Smith, who scored 46 goals for England, is widely considered to be one of England’s greatest-ever players.
She retired from international football in February 2015 after a 20-year career, winning 117 caps.
She made her England debut against Italy in 1995 and scored her first goal against Croatia in the same year.
She appeared in two World Cups and four European Championships and also represented Team GB at London 2012.
Smith also enjoyed a glittering domestic career, winning the league on six occasions and the Women’s FA Cup five times, including last season in a 1-0 win against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium, during her spells at Arsenal.
She also spent some of her career playing in America for Philadelphia Charge, New Jersey Wildcats and Boston Breakers.
She was awarded an MBE in 2008 for services to football.
England head coach Mark Sampson said: “I was privileged to have the honour of coaching Kelly.
“She will be remembered as one of the greatest players to have played the game.
“The creativity and excitement she brought to the pitch will stay as treasured memories for every supporter who had the pleasure to watch her play.
“Combining that with her insatiable work ethic and will to win made Kelly a dream to play with and nightmare to play against.
“Off the field she is a humble and honest person who graced every changing room she was a part of.
“The many thousands of young people who took up the game after being inspired by Kelly will never forget the inspiration and joy she brought just from watching her play.
“It will absolutely be a loss to the game on the field. I hope she will now go on to enjoy a wonderful career off the field. I wish her all the very best for the future. The game has lost a great."
Lionesses captain Steph Houghton, who played with Smith for England and Arsenal, said: “Kelly is simply one of the best players in the world and I think the greatest-ever England player.
“As a team-mate for club and country she was fantastic. She was a real leader, she was passionate, inspiring and women’s football won’t be the same without her.
“I am honoured to have played in the same team as her.”
FA director of football participation and development Kelly Simmons said: “It’s hard to overstate Kelly’s impact on women’s football in this country.
"She has been fundamental to the growing profile of the game throughout her career.
“She is considered one of the finest players of all time and a real big-game player as many of her FA Cup Final appearances showed.
“It’s also really important to recognise the crucial work Kelly did off the pitch to raise the profile of the women’s game and encourage more girls to take up football. She is the epitome of a true role model.
“On behalf of everyone at The FA I’d like to wish Kelly the very best for the future.
"I have no doubt she will continue to contribute to the game and has the makings of an excellent coach.”
FA chairman Greg Clarke added: “I would like to pay tribute to Kelly for a simply magnificent career. She has been a tremendous ambassador for English football in general, and not just the burgeoning women’s game. She deserves our thanks and congratulations.
“Kelly may have hung up her boots for good now, having already retired from the England team a couple of years ago, but I am certain she will continue to have an important role to play.
"Her experiences and achievements with Arsenal, England and Team GB should be used to inspire the next generation of boys and girls wanting to get into football.”
