Matildas games record holder Clare Polkinghorne to retire from international football in December

The Matildas’ most capped player of all-time, Clare Polkinghorne, has announced her retirement from international football.

Polkinghorne, 35, who has made 167 appearances for the national team, will retire from Matildas duty in December at the end of Australia’s two-match home series against Chinese Taipei in Geelong.

The games are part of a four-match, end-of-year Matildas schedule that also includes two games against Brazil in Polkinghorne’s home state of Queensland.

“After a lot of thought and deep reflection, I’ve decided to step away from international football after our final match of the year against Chinese Taipei in Geelong,” the veteran defender said.

“From FIFA Women’s World Cups to Olympic Games and Asian Cups, to have worn the Australian badge for over 18 years has been the greatest honour of my life, a privilege that I will always treasure and more than I could have dreamed as a six-year-old playing on the football fields of Brisbane.

“This journey and this football life is not possible without a strong support network, and I have been blessed to have that through my parents, brothers, extended family, close friends and Matildas teammates.

“I cannot express my gratitude enough for all they have done throughout my career to allow me to enjoy this adventure of a lifetime.

“I also want to acknowledge the head coaches, team managers and Matildas support staff who have contributed to my own personal success and the success of the team. Thank you also to the Matildas fans who have embraced the team throughout the years.

“As a new cycle commences, now seems the perfect time to move forward and I feel confident that the next generation of players will continue to take women’s football, and women’s sport, to even greater heights.”

Polkinghorne, who debuted for the national team in June 2006, has been in Matildas squads at five Women’s World Cups and three Olympic Games football tournaments.

She was also part of the Australian squad that won the 2010 AFC Women’s Asian Cup and captained the Matildas 28 times.

Football Australia chief executive officer James Johnson said Polkinghorne – who will complete the Swedish season with Kristianstads DFF before making a decision on her club future – had been “synonymous” with the Matildas.

“As she brings her international career to an end, it is only right that she is celebrated for a truly distinguished Australian career,” Johnson said.

“A player and person of great humility, Clare is the epitome of a quiet achiever.

“While she has never courted the spotlight, her passion for the green and gold has been evident every time she scores for her nation, and her steadfast dedication to the team has made her shine all that brighter.

“Her legacy will be in fighting to leave the jersey in a much better place than when she first donned it.

“I would like to congratulate Clare on a remarkable international career.”

Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni, who was also Polkinghorne’s first head coach at international level during his first stint in charge of the national team, said: “Clare has always bled green and gold from the first time she pulled on the jersey as a fresh faced 18-year-old and over the years has become the heart and soul of the Matildas.

“She will be deeply missed by everyone in the Matildas. A consummate professional, her work ethic, dedication to improvement, selflessness, kindness, warmth, intelligence and passion are qualities that have endeared her to the team and the fans.”