Arsenal defender Jen Beattie MBE has announced her retirement from international football after 143 caps and 24 goals for the Scotland Women's national team.
The 31-year-old represented her nation for 15 years and helped them qualify for their first major tournament in the 2017 Euros. Injury kept her from playing in the competition, but she did feature at the World Cup in 2019 and scored against Argentina in a 3-3 draw.
She told the Scottish FA : “Representing Scotland has been an absolute honour and a dream come true. Thank you so much to every single staff member and player that has made my experiences so memorable and enjoyable. I’ve made friends for life.
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“I’ve been a part of the national team for almost half of my life and it’s been incredible to contribute to the growth of the game. I look forward to supporting Scotland from the stands and I wish Pedro and the team all the best for the future.”
Scotland's head coach Pedro Martinez Losa added: “Jen’s contribution to the women’s game in Scotland deserves the highest recognition and it has been a privilege to work with her. Her exemplary professionalism is an inspiration and she is a wonderful example of the determination, talent and dedication required to make it to the top of the women’s game.
“On behalf of everyone involved in women’s football in Scotland, I’d like to thank Jen for everything she has done for the game. It’s been a pleasure to work with her and the legacy she leaves behind will be long lasting. This is not a goodbye but the start of a new chapter in her career, one in which she can always count on my support.”
Beattie earned her first senior cap for Scotland in 2008 aged just 17 as she featured against the United States in a friendly. That same year, she scored her first goal for her nation against Portugal in a EURO qualifier.
The Arsenal star also made the New Years honours list at the end of last year for her work both on and off the pitch for club and country.
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