Watford FC confirms that Golden Girls skipper Helen Ward will retire from football at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Hornets legend and Wales all-time leading goalscorer has penned an emotional farewell to the game below, thanking teammates, staff and fans for their support during her goal-laden career...

So, at the end of this, my 22nd season in senior football, I am hanging up my boots.

Since making my debut in 2001 at the age of 15, I’ve been through every emotion possible.

I’ve won titles and promotions and I’ve suffered relegations. I’ve experienced cup final wins and penalty shoot-out heartache. Last-minute winners and heart-breaking last-second defeats (2022, you went too far!), I’ve been in mid-table mediocrity and had a couple of seasons cut short in a global pandemic. I’ve been a guaranteed starter, an impact player and the one who can’t get a game. I’ve been the baby of the squad and the captain. There’s not much I haven’t seen or been through.

But what all of those moments and experiences have taught me is that, while winning is fantastic and losing is unbearable, it’s actually the people you share those times with that keeps you going.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have played alongside some of the greatest players we’ve seen from these shores and around the world.

But I’ve also met some of the best people who I can now call my friends. Football has given me some of the best friends I’ll ever have and those friendships will last way beyond the pitch.

To the players, staff and wonderful supporters of Arsenal, Chelsea, Reading and, of course, my Watford; I may never have technically been a ‘professional’ footballer, but please know I always tried to behave as any professional would and represent your clubs with pride, passion and respect and I always, always gave my all.

To end my career here, at Watford, where it all began all those years ago feels like a perfect symmetry. Thank you for helping me love the game and for the endless support and love for me and my family. Watford is forever in my blood and in my heart.

Thank you to every single person whose path I have crossed on and off the field and thank you football for making me who I am.

To my family. My mum, dad and brother for the encouragement, support, endless lifts and happy home as I grew up with the game and the babysitting and sacrifices as I started my own little family.

And finally, to my Wardies, my world. Matt, Emily and Charlie, who have had to deal with the ups and downs, the crazy schedule, the messy house and the sacrifices of their time. I couldn’t have done any of this without you behind me. You are everything.

Football, you’ve been a blast.