Lionesses legend Ellen White, whose road to greatness began with a ban from playing with the boys and ended in England glory, has announced her retirement.
At 33, White has hung up her boots with an England women's record 52 goals in 113 caps, saying her “dreams came true.” The Manchester City striker, who led the Lionesses' charge to triumph at Euro 2022 last month, admitted she had agonised over her decision before concluding England's glittering summer was the ideal time to bow out.
Head coach Sarina Wiegman led the tributes to a “world-class operator and perfect team player” as White took her final curtain with 12 months to run on her contract at City.
She said: "This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life but it has always been one I have wanted to make on my terms. This is my time to say goodbye to football and watch the next generation shine.
"It has been my greatest honour and privilege to play this game - in particular playing for England has, and always will be, the greatest gift. My dreams came true on July 31, winning the Euros and becoming a European champion."
White had already scored 100 goals in a season playing for a boys' age-group at Aylesbury Town when she was summarily banned by the Chiltern Youth League in 1998, leading to a row over sex discrimination. But she sidestepped the controversy to unfurl a fine career starting at Arsenal's academy before making her name at senior level with Chelsea before stints with Leeds, the Gunners, Notts County, Birmingham and City.
White retired with a message for all girls inspired by the Lionesses' glorious 2-1 win over Germany in front of a record 87,000 Wembley crowd in the Euro 2022 final. She said: "This is for the next generation and potentially the next Lioness. You don't have to be the best at something to make your dreams come true - just look at me.
"Hard work, dedication, passion and love for what you do are a great recipe. Don't ever let someone tell you 'you can't do something or achieve your dreams'. I was once told I couldn't play in the boys' team and I would never play for England. Now I am retiring having made 113 caps with 52 goals for England and a European champion.
"Let's use the momentum from the Euros win to make sure that every young person in all communities has the opportunity to play and feel connected to all England football teams."
Wiegman gave White a heartfelt send-off, saying: "Ellen has given so much for England and we are all so proud of her. This summer she did an amazing job for the team. I already knew she was a great player but I found an even better person. We will miss her, but I fully understand her decision to take a new direction."
