England footballer Lucy Bronze has said that 99.9% of female players couldn’t afford to retire and live off their earnings.

The Chelsea player, 33, told SkyNews  that while she has been “smart with my money” and could afford to “retire and live on my investments”, most in the women’s game can’t.

When asked if a female player can afford to retire, Bronze said: “The 1% probably can. If you’re smart with your money and live a certain kind of lifestyle, then there’s potential.

“I don’t live a crazy lifestyle with crazy cars or houses. So I could retire and live on my investments.

“I’ve been smart with my money, I’ve paid off student loans throughout my career.

“I know I’ve been successful in teams with a lot of money… I’m probably in that top per cent.”

But the right-back added: “Probably 99.9% of women’s players… you have to think about life after football.”

It comes after former England captain Steph Houghton told the BBC on Friday she was only paid £4,000 a year at Arsenal.

Bronze is taking on Liverpool on Sunday, followed by Manchester City next week, in a crucial clash in the Super League title race.

Manchester City are currently top, four points ahead of Chelsea in the table.

She said her side is “fully focused” and believes “if we play our good game we can beat any team that’s out there”.