Kim Little, one of Scotland Women’s all-time greats, has retired from international football after winning 140 caps for her country.
The Arsenal midfielder made her Scotland debut in 2007 at the age of 16 and helped the team to qualify for their first major tournament, Euro 2017, before playing at the 2019 World Cup. She missed the Euro finals because of injury.
The 31-year-old, who has also featured for Team GB at two Olympic Games, announced her decision just over two weeks before Scotland start their 2023 World Cup qualifying campaign.
“Stepping away from playing international football is something I have been considering for a while and I feel now is the right time to make that change,” Little said.
“I am proud of the 15 years I have spent representing the national team … thank you to my teammates for being incredibly empowering and inspiring women. My most vivid and fondest memories are from being by your side on and off the pitch through good times and some challenging times, pushing for progress for the women’s game.”
Scotland’s head coach, Pedro Martínez Losa, said: “Kim has contributed hugely to the women’s game in Scotland and will go down in history as one of the best players to pull on the national team jersey.
“While it is obviously disappointing that Kim will no longer be available for international selection, I understand and respect her decision. It is now time for the next generation of players to follow in Kim’s footsteps.”
