England Lionesses’ record goalscorer White retires after Euro 2022 success
Ellen White admitted her football “dreams came true” in winning Euro 2022 after announcing her retirement.
Thelionesses'recordscorer hashungupherbootsaged33, with 52 goals in 113 caps.
The Manchester City striker brandedforgingaprofessional career her “greatest honour”, insisting it was the right time to call it quits.
White revealed she had agonised over retiring, but eventually felt England’s glittering summerwouldprovetheideal time to bow out.
She said: “This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life but one that I know is the right decision for me.
“This decision has always been one I have wanted to make on my terms. And this is mytimetosaygoodbyetofootball and watch the next generation shine.
“Ithasbeenmygreatesthonour
and privilege to play this game.inparticularplayingfor Englandhasandalwayswillbe the greatest gift.
“My dreams came true on July31,winningtheeurosand becoming a European Champion.”
White came through Arsenal's academy, but made her name at Chelsea, spending three years in the Blues' senior ranksbeforeheadingtoleeds.
After returning to Arsenal, stints at Notts County, Birmingham and Manchester City all followed.
White joined City in 2019 and helped the club win the FA Cup the following year and the League Cup in 2022.
She retires with 12 months left on the two-year deal she signed in May 2021.
City boss Gareth Taylor said: “She has been the definition of theconsummateprofessional andifeelincrediblyprivileged to have been able to work with her over the past two seasons –hernamewillbewritteninto the history books as an icon of women’s football.”
The Lionesses have been determined to capitalise on their success to force change ateverysportinglevel,toboost sporting opportunities for girls and women.
Andwhiteurgedfutureengland hopefuls never to lose sight of their dreams.
“This is for the next generation and potentially the next Lioness,” she said. “You don’t have to be the best at something to make your dreams come true, just look at me.
“Hardwork,dedication,passion and love for what you do are a great recipe.”