Football Fern Anna Green announces retirement from international football

Football Ferns defender Anna Green has announced her retirement from international football after earning 82 caps in 16 years.

In a social media statement, Green (32) said:

“I’m closing my Ferns playing chapter full of gratitude and excited for what lies ahead.”

Only 14 players have turned out more often for New Zealand than Green who made her full international debut against China in November 2006.

She also represented New Zealand at U-20 level, at  FIFA Women’s World Cups in 2020 and 2015, and at the Olympic Games.

She is currently contracted to Liberty A-League club Sydney FC and has played abroad since 2011, after learning the game with Auckland clubs Three Kings United and Eastern Suburbs.

READ MORE: Ferns full-back Anna Green signs for women’s A-League club Sydney FC >>>>

Anna Green … signed with Sydney FC last year.

Clubs since have included Adelaide United and Sydney (Australia), Lokomotive Leipzig (Germany), Mailbackens (Sweden) and Notts County and Reading (United Kingdom).

Main photo: Anna Green … 82 games in the Ferns shirt.Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.

READ MORE: Ferns list of appearances at Ultimate Soccer website >>>>

Green’s farewell message

Here’s what Green posted to her followers:

“The last 16 years representing New Zealand has been an incredible journey, and more than my 16-year-old self
could’ve ever hoped for when was handed my first cap.

“I’m eternally grateful to my family for being my biggest supporters, and for my mum steadfastly blaming the ‘midfield’ regardless of my performance.

“Your unwavering love and support has always made me feel like more than enough in an arena that is full of the highest of highs and lowest of lows.

“Along the way, I’ve had the absolute privilege of being surrounded by the most amazing teammates both past and present; you’ve enabled and challenged me to grow as a player but more importantly as a person.

“Thank you for the laughs, the memories and all of the weird conversations that touring together brings. I know some
of you better than I know myself and far more than is necessary.

“The people are what makes this journey so special and I’m lucky enough to have been met by the very best of them at every turn.

“I’m closing my Ferns playing chapter full of gratitude and excited for what lies ahead.”

A goal to remember

Green scored a spectacular goal for the Ferns against Australia’s Matildas in 2022.

Cross or a shot to the far post? Anna Green lines up the ball …

Video replay

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