Ferns coach Jitka Klimková says she’ll “have a coffee” with Chloe Knott to find out more about her decision to quit women’s A-League football.
“I really want to learn a little bit more what is behind it,” Klimková said from the Ferns’ training camp ahead of Sunday’s international against Colombia.
“We are in touch. When I come back to New Zealand, we will have a coffee and chat more about it.”
Main photo: Jitka Klimková … ‘she’s an amazing human being.’
Knott (27) has been released from her contract with the Wellington Phoenix, at her request, after the midfielder said playing was not financially sustainable. She later expanded on her reasons, citing more factors for her decision.
READ MORE: Midfielder Chloe Knott makes ‘difficult’ decision to leave the Wellington Phoenix >>>>
READ MORE: Phoenix vice-captain shares more factors behind her decision to quit club >>>>
Not currently eligible to play for New Zealand, England-born Knott was hoping to earn selection for the Ferns next year.
Klimková told a media briefing: “I had the privilege to work with Chloe. She was part of our training programme before the World Cup. I had the privilege to work with her 10 years ago when I was part of the under-20 group as coach.
“I know her personality. She’s such an amazing human being, and hearing that she’s struggling to make a living from football and hearing that it’s not just about money …
“Obviously, the women’s sport is growing. We had an amazing opportunity to have (the) World Cup in New Zealand and we could see how much women’s football is developed and how much the fans love it, coming to watch those passionate women playing football and those ones absolutely deserve to be paid towards their qualities.”
Rebekah Stott: ‘So sad to see someone out of football’
Fern Rebekah Stott said: “You never want to see a player leave football. But, yeah, I mean, it’s not new.
“We have struggled with pay for a long time now. Obviously, it is getting better, but there’s still so far to go. And I guess knowing that it’s not just all about the money is, I guess, a bit concerning. But yeah, I think Chloe’s made the right decision for her.
“It’s so sad to see someone out of football, but we wish her the best.”
More football stories
