Kim Little (third from left) scored for Scotland against Argentina at the 2019 Women's World Cup
After her announcement of her retirement from international football, Kim Little was hailed as a great midfielder.
Little, 31 years old, made her debut against Japan in 2007 as a 16 year-old and won 140 caps. She also scored 59 goals.
The Arsenal captain was present in all three group games of Scotland's 2019 Women's World Cup. She scored the opener against Argentina in a draw of 3-3.
Little claims she's been thinking about international retirement for a while.
Before Scotland's 2023 World Cup qualifying campaign, under the new coach Pedro Martinez Losa, she steps aside.
Little stated, "I believe now is the right moment to make that change."
"I am proud to have served the national team for 15 years. Through my experience representing my country, I have grown and developed as a person. They will be a great help in the future.
"I want to thank my team-mates for being so inspiring and empowering. The best memories of my childhood are the ones I have from being with you on the pitch, through the good and the bad times, and pushing for women's soccer progress.
"I look forward to supporting all of you from afar, and can't wait for you to perform and continue improving the women's football in Scotland, paving way for more young girls who want to be a professional footballer."
Little began her senior career at Hibernian, and she is now in her second spell as Arsenal's Arsenal player after having played for Melbourne City and Seattle Reign.
She was a key player in Scotland's qualification for Euro 2017, the first major finals for the women's team. However, she was injured and missed the tournament.
Little was known about the BBC's women's footballer-of-the-year in 2016. Her goal against Switzerland in 2016 was crucial in sending Scotland to the World Cup in 2019.
Martinez Losa, the Scotland coach, paid tribute to Little. The Spaniard said: "Kim has greatly contributed to the women’s game in Scotland and will be remembered in history as one the greatest players to wear the national team jersey.
"While Kim's decision to withdraw from international selection is disappointing, I understand her reasoning and respect her decision.
"It's now that the next generation of national team players can follow Kim's lead and make their mark."
