Scotland defender Jen Beattie announces international retirement
The Arsenal defender earned 144 caps and scored 24 goals for her country
Last updated 27th Jan 2023
Scotland defender Jen Beattie has announced she is retiring from international football.
The 31-year-old earned 144 caps for the national team and scored 24 goals.
Beattie also continued her career for Scotland and Arsenal while being treated for breast cancer and was an awarded an MBE for services to football and charity.
She made her debut for the senior Scotland side in March 2008 against the United States in Cyprus.
Her first goal came two months later in a 4-1 European Championship qualifying win against Portugal.
Beattie also represented her country at the 2019 World Cup.
She said: "Representing Scotland has been an absolute honour and a dream come true," Beattie said.
"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.
"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."
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.
"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, who received the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2021, has played five times for Arsenal in the Women's Super League this season.
The Gunners are three points behind leaders Manchester United, having played one fewer match than their rivals.