Watford-born Kelly Smith has announced her retirement from football aged 38.

The striker, who has 117 appearances for England - and is the Lionesses' top scorer of all time with 46 goals - became Britain's first ever female professional footballer when she joined US side New Jersey in 1999.

Smith’s time at the top ended in typically impressive fashion as she helped Arsenal win the FA Cup in 2016. A triumph she described as the perfect conclusion to her career.

“Winning the 2016 FA Cup at Wembley was the most glorious way to complete my career," she said in a statement on her website.

“My deepest thanks to everyone at Arsenal football club for making it possible for me to pursue my childhood dream: representing the club I grew up supporting.

“I am so proud to have been part of the Arsenal family for so many years, and prouder still to have contributed to its many successes and much silverware.”

She grew up in Garston and played for a local boys' team where, despite being the club's top scorer, was banned from playing after opposition parents complained.

In later life, she won five FA Cup medals with Arsenal Ladies, as well as a number of top-flight English titles.

Speaking to BBC Sport after her announcement, she said: "It just feels the time is right now. I think I've had a very good career at both international and club level, I've travelled the world and, at the age of 38, the body is telling me it needs to stop.

"I don't have any regrets, I've loved every minute of it. Every time I put that England shirt on, I felt a lot of emotion playing for my country.

"The game is in a magnificent place at the moment and it's good to step away at the right time."

As one of the most recognisable names in women’s football, Smith has undoubtedly played a role in the growing recognition and appeal of the sport.

Her influence among England’s latest generation of Lionesses is clear and a host of players, including Fran Kirby, Lucy Bronze and Karen Carney took to twitter to acknowledge her retirement.



England manager Mark Sampson is in no doubt over the legacy Smith leaves and hailed her as one of English football’s greats.

“She will be remembered as one of the greatest players to have played the game,” Sampson told the BBC.

“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 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.”

Smith’s career saw her represent Watford Ladies and Wembley Ladies before enjoying three separate spells at Arsenal.

Her performances at both club and international level earned her a call-up for the Great Britain Olympic squad which reached the quarter-final stage at London 2012.

She took the time to praise the players she has competed with as well as highlighting the backing she has received from coaches and fans throughout her career.

“I’m grateful for the honour of playing with and against so many outstanding players worldwide,” Smith said.

“One thing has been consistent throughout my playing career: the magnificent support I’ve received from fans. It has been a pleasure to get to know familiar faces at games

“My career successes would not have been possible without the astute guidance I received from many talented people along the way.”

Boreham Wood will be holding a special game in celebration of Smith’s career on Sunday, February 19. Ticket information will be released in due course.