Kelly Smith has branded male football at the highest level "awful", claiming that she prefers to watch the female game as it is "prettier".

The 33-year-old, who has been capped by England over 100 times, recently returned to Arsenal for a third spell with the Gunners after spending the past three years in the USA with the Boston Breakers.

Speaking ahead of the start of the FA Women's Super League season, she told The Telegraph: "Women's football is a prettier game to watch to men's football because there is no cheating going on.

"There is no diving or play-acting. I hate watching the men's game at the highest level because there is so much diving and cheating. It's awful.

"There's more respect between players in women's football. It's an overall respect for the game. There's no falling over, intimidation of referees or trying to get players sent off."

Arsenal, who were the inaugural winners of the WSL last year, begin their season against Everton at Borehamwood on Sunday.