Most-capped Football Fern Ria Percival retires from national team duty
Sunday, 7 April 2024
The Football Ferns’ most-capped player has retired from international duty.
Ria Percival made 166 appearances for the Ferns during her 18-year career.
Her announcement comes after she had sat out all the Ferns’ matches since last year’s World Cup.
The Football Ferns’ most-capped player, Ria Percival, has announced her retirement from international duty.
The 34-year-old midfielder made 166 appearances during her 18-year internatinal career – more than any Kiwi player, men’s or women’s – and last played for New Zealand women’s national football team at last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup on home soil.
In a statement released via NZ Football, Percival said: “It comes with a heavy heart that I’ve made the decision to retire from international football.
“It has been one of the most difficult decisions that I’ve had to make, and it’s not been one that I’ve taken lightly but I feel that it is the right time for me.
“I have represented New Zealand proudly for the last 18 years and it has been an absolute honour.”
Percival played for the Ferns at five World Cups and four Olympics, most often as right back, but more recently as a central midfielder.
She fought back from a devastating knee injury suffered in early 2022 to make the squad for last year’s World Cup, where she started every match, including the Ferns’ historic win over Norway on the opening night of the tournament.
The Ferns have played 10 matches since the World Cup – the most recent a 4-0 win over Thailand in Christchurch on Saturday – but Percival has not been involved in any time.
Ahead of this month’s matches – a second against Thailand is to be played on Tuesday – coach Jitka Klimková said Percival was being given time to decide on her playing future.
Having been a regular starter in the English Women’s Super League for several seasons, after a long period playing in Germany’s Frauen Bundesliga, Percival has dropped down to England’s second-tier this season, on loan at Crystal Palace from Super League club Tottenham Hotspur.
She had been set to be in a tight race with fellow veterans Daisy Cleverley and Annalie Longo for a place in Klimková’s 18-strong squad for the Paris Olympics in July, had she chosen to continue, but will now watch an Olympic campaign from afar for the first time instead.
“As I look back (with many different emotions) and reflect on my time as a Fern, it’s been the biggest honour and a pleasure to have represented New Zealand at fie World Cups and four Olympic Games,” Percival said in her statement.
“The journey I have been on with this team has been incredible and left me with many memorable moments and times I’ll never forget.
“Having the opportunity to represent my country for almost two decades, I’ve worn the shirt with pride, courage, commitment, dedication and gave everything that I have for my country.
“I’ve learnt so much and grown both on and off the pitch over the years, becoming a leader, role model, and mentor, inspiring my team mates as well as the next generation.”
Percival gave her former team-mates “a massive thank you”.
“I wouldn’t have been able to have done it without you all and the support over the years. Every single one of you will always hold a special place in my heart.
“To every former Fern that paved the way to allow me to chase my dreams, thank you.
“You made it possible for me to follow my dreams for many years as the game keeps growing and women’s football develops.”
Percival made her debut for the Ferns against China in November 2006, alongside fellow centurions Longo, Katie Duncan and Abby Erceg.
She finished her statement by addressing those “who are dreaming of becoming a Fern”.
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t, because you can. With hard work, commitment, dedication and belief… anything is possible.”