LONDON: England鈥檚 record scorer Ellen White announced her retirement from soccer Monday after saying her 鈥渄reams came true鈥� when the Lionesses won the Women鈥檚 European Championship last month.

White scored 52 goals in 113 appearances for England鈥檚 national team.

The 33-year-old Manchester City striker said England鈥檚 Euro 2022 triumph made it the ideal time to retire.

鈥淭his has been one of the hardest decisions of my life but one that I know is the right decision for me,鈥� White said. 鈥淭his decision has always been one I have wanted to make on my terms. And this is my time to say goodbye to football and watch the next generation shine.

鈥淚t has been my greatest honor and privilege to play this game. In particular playing for England has and always will be the greatest gift.

鈥淢y dreams came true on July 31, winning the Euros and becoming a European Champion.鈥�

White came through Arsenal鈥檚 academy but made her name at Chelsea, spending three years in the Blues鈥� senior ranks before heading to Leeds.

After returning to Arsenal, she also had stints at Notts County, Birmingham and Man City.

The Lionesses have been determined to capitalize on their success to force change at every sporting level, to boost sporting opportunities for girls and women.

And White urged future England hopefuls never to lose sight of their goals.

鈥淭his is for the next generation and potentially the next Lioness,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 have to be the best at something to make your dreams come true, just look at me.

鈥淗ard work, dedication, passion and love for what you do are a great recipe. Don鈥檛 ever let someone tell you 鈥榶ou can鈥檛 do something or achieve your dreams.鈥� I was once told I couldn鈥檛 play in the boys鈥� 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.鈥�

England head coach Sarina Wiegman paid tribute to a 鈥渨orld-class鈥� operator, who played a vital role in the Euros triumph.

鈥淓llen has given so much for England and we are all so proud of her,鈥� said Wiegman. 鈥淲e will miss her, but I fully understand her decision to take a new direction.鈥�