Kelly Smith, England's record goalscorer and a runner-up at UEFA Women's EURO 2009, has announced her retirement.
Smith finished her international career in February 2015 and has since been playing solely for Arsenal – the forward's third spell at the club. The 38-year-old, who announced her retirement via a statement on her personal website, will now take up a full-time coaching role with the Gunners.
"A fantastic opportunity to pay back the club I love, and to nurture the next generation of female football talent," she said.
Smith featured in two FIFA Women's World Cups and four Women's EUROs – she scored in the 6-2 defeat by Germany in the 2009 final – and won the 2006/07 UEFA Women's Cup with Arsenal (though was suspended for the final). She scored 46 goals in 117 appearances for her country and also represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympic Games.
A gifted attacker, she spent much of her career in the United States, representing clubs in New Jersey, Philadelphia and Boston, but her heart was always with Arsenal. "Winning the 2016 FA Cup at Wembley was the most glorious way to complete my career," Smith said. "It was always going to be tough for me to stop playing but I feel now is the right time."
#ThankYouKelly pic.twitter.com/GLtJ36AQ3o
— Arsenal Ladies (@ArsenalLadies) January 11, 2017
It's been an amazing journey but now it's time for a new chapter in my life. https://t.co/Er7XMUFZIU
— Kelly Smith MBE (@kelly_smith10) January 11, 2017
#Lionesses legend, and record goalscorer, @kelly_smith10 has announced her retirement from football https://t.co/15fFObBCYC
— England (@England) January 11, 2017
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