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Arsenal and England legend Kelly Smith retires

Arsenal Ladies and England legend Kelly Smith has announced her retirement from football at the age of 38.

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The Watford-born striker holds the record for the most goals for the Lionesses, having netted 46 times in 117 international appearances over 20 years.

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The end of her club career follows her international retirement nearly a year beforehand, having played at two World Cups and four European Championships as well as participated in the London Olympics in 2012 as part of Team GB.

Smith is most closely associated with Arsenal, with whom she enjoyed three spells and finished her career. Over those periods she won the league six times and the Women's FA Cup three times - the most recent of which coming in 2015.

She also appeared for Philadelphia Charge, New Jersey Wildcats and Boston Breakers in the United States and was awarded an MBE for services to football in 2008.

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"I was privileged to have the honour of coaching Kelly," England Women boss Mark Sampson told the FA's official website.

"She will be remembered as one of the greatest players to have played the game.

"The creativity and excitement she brought to the pitch will stay as treasured memories for every supporter who had the pleasure to watch her play. Combining that with her insatiable work ethic and will to win made Kelly a dream to play with and nightmare to play against.

"Off the field, she is a humble and honest person who graced every changing room she was a part of.

"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 from watching her play."

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