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Kelly Smith retires from football: Arsenal and England legend says, 'It's good to step away at the right time'

England and Arsenal Ladies icon Kelly Smith has announced her retirement from football.

Smith - who scored 46 goals for England, an all-time record - became Britain's first female professional footballer in 1999 when she moved to New Jersey in the United States.

The 38-year-old won five FA Cups with Arsenal, scoring six times in her five finals.

England and Arsenal icon Kelly Smith has retired from playing professional football
England and Arsenal icon Kelly Smith has retired from playing professional football
The 38-year-old Smith became Britain's first ever professional female footballer in 1999
The 38-year-old Smith became Britain's first ever professional female footballer in 1999

She also earned 117 England caps, represented Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics and played at six major international tournaments, including World Cups and European Championships.