Wednesday 4 February 2015 15:57, UK
Kelly Smith has announced her retirement from international football.
The Arsenal Ladies striker made 117 appearances for England, scoring 46 goals in the process – a record for an England Women’s international.
She is England’s joint third highest goalscorer of all time, level with Wayne Rooney and behind only Gary Lineker and Sir Bobby Charlton.
“After a lot of consideration and many conversations, I have made the toughest decision of my career to retire from international football,” Smith said in a statement
“For me, it doesn’t get any better than playing for your country. I feel exceptionally proud and honoured to have played for England for twenty wonderful years. I have enjoyed every single minute of representing my country and wearing the England shirt. The memories will stay with me all my life.
“I am grateful to have played under Hope Powell, and to have had such an amazing support system from my family, friends and all my teammates.
“Being a part of women’s football over the last twenty years I have seen massive strides in the development and growth of the game and the women’s national team. I am confident the current wealth of talent that Mark Sampson has in the England squad can achieve something special at the World Cup in Canada this summer.
“Although I am stepping away from England, I remain totally committed to playing for my club, Arsenal, and continuing to develop as a coach.”
