Kelly Smith was full of happiness, tears and joy as her 22-year playing career was celebrated in style with a match featuring Arsenal Ladies and an All-Star XI at Borehamwood's Meadow Park.

The final score ended 4-2 to Arsenal but the day was more for fans to celebrate the 38-year-old#s fantastic achievements.

The Watford-born striker, who made 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.

Smith said: “I had a fantastic day, one of the best in terms of memories. I have been made to feel very, very special.

“I feel very honoured that so many friends, colleagues have been a part of this special day. Obviously, Arsenal Football Club have put on a spectacle for me.

“It was nearly a record crowd. We wanted to cap it under 3,000 just to keep it intimate.

“I am just really delighted to see so many faces that have supported me over the years. So many fans turned out today to thank me for my career. So I feel proud and honoured.

“Obviously I got the penalty at the end. A little bit staged. It was delightful as I have given my whole life to football and Arsenal.

“And I have said all along this club has been in my heart and for them to honour me the way they did today I got a bit emotional just addressing my team and the Arsenal team after, because so many of those players I played with for a number of years, for England, Arsenal and abroad.

“So I got a bit upset. This is the end now. That was the last kick, even though I wasn’t fully kitted, I am not going to be playing football again.

“That was a little bit of reality but I just wanted to thank everyone for turning out.”

Kim Little opened the scoring in fine fashion from 12 yards in the 35th minute with the Arsenal team celebrating in style.

They all ran over to Smith to bow to her and then gave her a massive group hug in recognition of her fantastic achievements in the sport.

Dan Carter doubled the home side’s lead from close range just before half-time.

Steph Houghton managed to reduce the deficit four minutes into the second half as she buried a strike into the corner of the net.

And with nine minutes to go Smith gained the equaliser for her All-Star side after referee Howard Webb had given her side a penalty.

However, the match wasn't level for long as Jordan Nobbs added a third for the Ladies before substitute Rianna Dean added their fourth.

Although this may have been Smith's last outing as a player, her career in the game is far from over.

She said: “I have obviously started off with my coaching A licence, getting my feet wet.

“It is a whole new ball game. Playing for me became easy I guess as I worked on my talent over the years.

“It is not going to be easy, I am going to have to learn my trade. I am just at the bottom of the ladder.

“I am really excited to be working with the under-20s at Arsenal and the development team. I have taken some sessions so far.

“They are very responsive and want to learn and I see their eyes light up when I speak so I know I have got them at the minute.

“I am delighted. I really want to stay involved in the game and happy that Arsenal have kept me on board.

“I have set my targets high as a player and I have gone out and grabbed them. I've worked hard and done everything possible to become the player that I did. I am going to be no different in my coaching aspirations.

“I think it might take me a little bit longer now that I’m pregnant. I may have a few months off to raise the baby.

“But I want to get my feet back into it as soon as I can, learn my trade at Arsenal and then who knows manage Arsenal Ladies one day. And the highest aspiration is to manage England on the big stage.”

Smith was presented with a picture of Wembley by her father at full-time and she went on to explain how important he was to her in her career.

She said: “My dad got me emotionally. Once the game ended, Alex asked me to address both teams and I got a bit emotional then as I looked into the players' eyes and I could see the history we have had over the years.

“Every player means something different to me. The friendship, the history within the game. That bit for me was really emotional.

“Then I composed myself. And at the end bit, I thought what has my dad got here? It was a nice picture frame of Wembley.

“Everyone knows how important my dad has been over my career and even now I am getting choked up talking about it.

“How emotional that was for me and he is very special and dear in my heart. My mum and dad were both crying. I didn’t even look at the VIP section where my family were as I would have started balling a lot earlier than I did.”

When asked what her message was to any young girl who wants to enter the sport, she said: “Give it a go. It is the up and coming sport. A lot of young girls are playing it. Give it a try and if you like it continue. And always play with a smile on your face.”

Not only did her family have great things to say about a legend of the women's football, she was also held in high regard by her peers and former manager.

Arsenal Ladies boss Pedro Martinez Losa said: “The girls were really excited to play, to do everything, especially for Kelly. But we have to play a little bit like Kelly would play.

“She would not want a game where we did not compete and I had a chat with her on Thursday and she said ‘No Pedro. You need to win 8-0 or 9-0.

“Obviously that was not the objective but at least we tried to compete for a little and play for Kelly and for the fans also.

“For me just spending time with Kelly is a unique moment in my career and in my life. I have always been following her since I started in women’s football 15 years ago.

“And life gives you these opportunities sometimes. And she exceeded my expectations when you meet her, as you only have an image of her as a footballer.

“It is nice to put everyone together and see the response of the fans.”

And new Arsenal Ladies signing Heather O' Reilly from the USA was full of praise for the former England international.

“It is such an honour. I am really happy to be here. When I signed with Arsenal a few months ago this is one of the things I was looking forward to," said the 32-year-old.

“Being part of the history of this club and Kelly Smith is a big part of that. I have known Kelly for over 15 years when she was in the states and New Jersey. Our careers have somewhat intertwined at different points. Mostly playing against each other. Sometimes with each other but not as much as I would have liked.

"I am really honoured to be here for her and to celebrate her day, she deserves it.”

To cap off the day #ThankYouKelly trended higher than Tottenham Hotspur's 3-0 victory over Fulham in the FA Cup.

Smith joked: “That is always a good day then.”

Arsenal Ladies: Van Veenendall, Scott, Mitchell, Williamson, Nobbs, Carter (Humphrey 46), Little, Taylor, McCabe (Dean 76), O’Reilly (Patten 66), Van de Donk (Smith 66). Subs not used: Moorehouse, Humphrey, Sampson, Rose, Janssen, Mead, Dean.

All-Star XI: Brown-Finnis, Stoney, Jerray-Silver, Powell (Gold 15), Houghton, Scott, Spacey, White, Basset, Westwood. Subs not used: White, Asante, Bassett, Koch, Gold, Allanh