Manchester City and England midfielder Jill Scott has announced her retirement from football after helping England win the Euros.
Scott, 35, made the announcement alongside an article in the Player’s Tribune a day after her Manchester City team mate Ellen White announced she would be retiring.
She finishes as England’s second most capped player of all time behind Fara Williams with 161 appearances over 16 years having scored the last of her 27 goals for her country during the successful European Championship finals campaign.
She had taken part in her first Euros way back in 2009 and picked up a silver medal on that occasion.
In late 2013 she became newly professional outfit Manchester City Women’s first signing and went on to make 194 appearances for the club, lifting a host of trophies including the Women‘s Super League, before leaving after the expiry of her contract this summer and making the decision to call time on her career.
Only captain Steph Houghton and defensive midfielder Keira Walsh have made more appearances for the club.
England boss Sarina Weigman said: “I must congratulate Jill on a very special career.
“I am so glad she was able to end on such a positive memory.
“It will be hard to imagine an England squad without her as she has been an icon of the team for so long.
“I respect her decision, but we will miss her positive impact on and off of the pitch for sure.
“To be able to play at the highest level for so long tells you how good a player Jill has been, and her story is a positive example that others will continue to follow.
“She still has a huge amount to offer, so I hope she won’t be lost to the women’s game in the future – whatever that role may be.
“She is a very special person, and although it was only for a short period, I feel privileged to have had the chance to work with her.”
A statement on City’s website congratulated Scott on an incredible career and wished her all the best in the future.