Wellington Phoenix captain Annalie Longo has announced her retirement from professional football, ending her decorated club career.
The 138-cap Football Fern has made the sudden call after the Phoenix women’s final round match against Western United at Porirua Park.
In typically selfless fashion, she kept the news close to her chest.
“I haven’t really told anybody,” Longo said post-match. “I didn’t want today to be about me.
“I’m pretty emotional. I got subbed off and then the girls scored a goal so clearly they don’t need me!
“I’ve said right from the start that I just wanted to give absolutely everything in the Phoenix jersey, and I think I’ve done that.
“Never guarantee what the future holds but it’s my last game of professional football.
“I love the game, I’m so passionate about it so it’s sad to leave what you’re doing, but for me it’s the right time.
“I gave it absolutely everything and had a really good so I can be very proud to walk away.”
Longo bows out at the top of her game. She led the A-League in chances created heading into the final round and finished atop the team’s assists tally with five, while also scoring three goals in 22 appearances.
“I think I always wanted to walk away from the game in a really good place.
“I’ve worked hard to get that back into the Ferns environment and create a solid foundation of players, and it’s exactly the same here at the Wellington Phoenix.
“I never wanted to be one of those players that hangs on and like passes it on to the next group of players. [I’ve tried to] leave a good legacy and leave it as best as I can.
“I’ve given it absolutely everything to the game and I’m excited for the future and what that brings.
“I still love football and I’m passionate about the game so I’m sure I’ll continue to give back to the game but it’s time for a new generation to come through and shine.”
Head coach Paul Temple has congratulated Longo on “an incredible career”.
“She’s been amazing to work with and we’ve had a really good collaboration, coach and captain, the last two years,” Temple said.
“I genuinely think she’s a shout to be the best player in the league.
“She’s been amazing this season and really showed her qualities.
“She’s an amazing footballer. We don’t really produce footballers that have that ability to escape pressure like she does.
“She’s smart and tactically very astute as well, and she’s learning to become a coach. We have lots of good conversations about the game and she’s just a pleasure to work with.
“She’s an amazing leader as well. The girls just love her [and] respect her. She’s a true great and she’ll go down a legend.”
Annalie Longo has yet to make a decision on her international future.
