Former Lionesses and Arsenal striker Taylor retires

Taylor scored seven goals in 20 league appearances for Arsenal across two spells

Former England forward Jodie Taylor has announced her retirement from football.

The 37-year-old scored 19 goals in 51 appearances for the Lionesses, winning the Golden Boot at Euro 2017.

"I am at peace with the decision to retire and it's my choice," Taylor said.

I think [that] is really important. [It's] really fortunate that I'm in the position to make that decision for myself."

A Champions League winner with Lyon, Birkenhead-born Taylor started her senior career aged 15 with Tranmere Rovers before moving to America on a college scholarship to play football.

She played for three clubs during her time Stateside, before a two-year spell with Australian club Melbourne Victory.

After scoring 12 goals in 21 games Taylor was signed by Birmingham City, with whom she won the FA Cup in 2012.

Following returns to Australia and the USA, plus a stint in Sweden, Taylor joined Arsenal in 2016 for her first spell at the club.

Time in Sweden and France followed, but when Taylor returned to the Gunners in March this year she said it felt like she "never left" and went on to make eight league appearances.

"I think before I even stepped foot on the plane to go to Arsenal at the end of last season I kind of knew it was going to be my last stint playing," she said.

"It feels like a full circle to finish my career on home soil and seeing how far the game has progressed.

"I'm happy that the time has come now - it's the right time."

More to follow.

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