“It was my greatest honor and privilege to play this game. Playing for England has always been the greatest gift,” White wrote.
White has scored 52 goals and won 113 caps for England in a career spanning more than 17 years. In 2010 she made her debut against Austria.
She acknowledged the peak of her football career came in July and said her “dreams came true” when she helped England win Euro 2022.
“You don’t have to be the best at something to make your dreams come true — just look at me,” White said.
She added: “Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something or that you can’t achieve your dreams.
“I was once told I couldn’t play for the boys’ team and would never play for England. Now I’m retiring, having won 113 caps for England, scoring 52 goals, and becoming European champions.”
After starting her club career at Chelsea in 2005, she went on to play for a number of England’s biggest clubs including Leeds, Arsenal, Notts County, Birmingham City and Man City.
With Arsenal, she won the Women’s Super League twice and the Women’s FA Cup three times.
White has consistently led the line for England in recent years and has become a talisman for the team. She played for England at three European Championships and three World Cups, finishing third at the 2015 and fourth at the 2019 World Cup.
She became the Lionesses’ top scorer in 2021, surpassing Kelly Smith’s record of 46. She is just one short of Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 for most England goals for both the men’s and women’s teams.
England head coach Sarina Wiegman paid tribute to White.
“Ellen gave so much for England and we are all so proud of her,” she said. “I’ve only had the pleasure of working with her for the past year, but her professionalism, pace of work and finishing skills are world class.
“She has done a great job for the team this summer, she is the perfect team player and has helped the younger players find their feet in international football. I already knew she was a great player but I have an even better person found.
“We will miss her but I fully understand her decision to take a new direction.”
Man City head coach Gareth Taylor also praised White, calling her an “icon of the game”.
“And although her career is now over, her efforts paved the way for so many to be successful in the future,” Taylor said.
“She’s given so much of what she loves to the game over the years and she’s keeping it at its strongest point ever, which is a testament to her hard work and sacrifice.
“She was the definition of the consummate professional and I feel incredibly privileged to have had the opportunity to work with her over the past two seasons – her name will go down in history as an icon of women’s football.
“Whatever her next steps, on behalf of everyone here at Manchester City, I would like to express our deepest gratitude and wish her all the best for the future.”