Arsenal Ladies legend Jayne Ludlow has announced her decision to retire from football after 13 years at the Club.
Arriving from Southampton in 2000, the 34-year-old scored 28 goals from midfield during her first season in north London, helping the team to a domestic treble, and went on to win 26 major trophies during her time at the Club, including a quadruple in 2007.
Ludlow scored more than 200 goals for the Gunners during her career, making her the Ladies' all-time top scorer. She was also voted the FA Players’ Player of the Year on three occasions.
She won 61 caps for Wales after making her debut in 1997 and was described by national team manager Jarmo Matikainen as “the most successful player that Wales has ever had”.
An academy coach for both the Ladies and Wales, Jayne recently completed her Uefa A License and now intends to focus her energies on developing the next generation of female footballers.
Arsenal Ladies general manager Vic Akers paid tribute to Ludlow’s contribution to the Club, saying: “Jayne has enjoyed a remarkable career and I’d like to thank her on behalf of everyone at Arsenal for her fantastic contribution to the Club over the years.
“Jayne’s athleticism, technical ability and eye for goal made her one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the women’s game. It was a privilege to have worked with her for all these years and I wish her every success in the future.”
Arsenal Ladies manager Shelley Kerr added: “Jayne’s had a fantastic career and it’s been a pleasure to work with her over the last few months. I wish her every success for the future.”
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