London 2012 Olympian Kelly Smith admits she will always be proud to have helped put women’s football on the map after announcing her retirement from international duty.
The 36-year-old forward won 117 caps and scored a record-breaking 46 goals in an England career that lasted almost 20 years.
She was also the second most experienced member of then manager Hope Powell’s Team GB squad for the 2012 Olympic Games.
She played in all three group games, including in front of a record crowd of 70,584 for the 1-0 win over Brazil at Wembley Stadium, before injury ruled her out of their quarter-final defeat to Canada.
Smith, who has played professionally in America, will continue to play for Arsenal while also putting time towards progressing her coaching qualifications.
“Playing for England has been such an important part of my life for so long, but I feel now is the right time for me to retire from international football,” she said.
"I'm at a different stage in my life now, I am focusing on coaching and working my way up to get my licences and stay involved in football that way, along with playing for Arsenal.
"Women's football has changed so much since I started playing and I am proud to have been a part of that.
"I'm pleased that I'll still be working in the game and with The FA in its activities moving forwards.
"I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me in my career, everyone at England and The FA, team-mates, coaches, friends and family.”
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