Faye White: Ex-England and Arsenal captain retires

Former England and Arsenal women's captain Faye White has announced her retirement from football.

White, 35, who won 90 caps, quit international football in April last year after announcing she was expecting her first child.

But a knee problem has prevented her from returning to club action.

"It's extremely hard and it's taken the last 18 months since the last time I played [to decide to retire]," White told BBC Sport.

"It's taken a long while accepting England retirement and then completely deciding to stop. It's quite emotional.

"I've had quite a few injuries and I know you can't go on forever. I had to manage my injuries for the last two years I was playing anyway.

"I have no regrets over my career, for how long I've played and what I've achieved. I've been fortunate to have so many great times in the game."

White, who represented England at four major tournaments, is set to continue in a role at Arsenal, as well as working as an ambassador for the Football Association and media commitments.

She added: "I'll come back from my maternity and will carry on trying to promote the game and marketing it as I've been doing for the last eight years with Arsenal.

"Being involved helps. Having a child will keep me busy and he'll keep me on my toes."

Former Arsenal manager Vic Akers rates White as one of his best signings in a period of significant success.

Akers told the club's website: "She was a born leader. She had a great attitude and was, and still is, a great role model for the women's game. I think we'll have to go a long way to find another player similar to her.

"She was one of my best signings. She captained the team magnificently and always showed a great attitude. She's a great person too."