19 Feb 2018

Moss calls time on All Whites career

9:36 am on 19 February 2018

After eleven years of international football All Whites goalkeeper Glen Moss has announced his retirement from the top level.

The 35 year old Moss is currently playing for A League side Newcastle having previously played for New Zealand Knights, Dinamo Bucureşti (Romania), Wellington Phoenix, Melbourne Victory, and Gold Coast United.

Glen Moss during an All Whites training session.

Glen Moss during an All Whites training session. Photo: Photosport

He made his debut for New Zealand against Malaysia in 2006, playing 29 internationals.

His final tour with the team was to Peru for the away leg of the World Cup Intercontinental Playoff which the All Whites lost 2-0 to miss qualifying for Russia.

"It was not something that I took lightly. I had a good hard think about it and it is something that I have been thinking about over a period of time," he said.

"After our qualifying game over in Peru I sat down and asked myself could I go another four years? I didn't want to start the next four year cycle and decide halfway through that I couldn't commit to the full cycle.

"I decided that four years was a bit much for me at this stage of my career and with my young family as well. I have a four year-old son and a two year-old daughter and that played a part as well. I am comfortable with the decision. When I think back on some of the highs and lows, I will look back with fond memories."

Moss said the standout memories from his time in the All Whites were playing against Brazil, Spain, Italy and Chile.

"That is something that I have always relished - countries like that you can only dream of coming up against. I have the jerseys hanging on the wall at home from [Iker] Casillas from Spain and [Gianluigi] Buffon from Italy and Dida from Brazil so it is those big games that you think back on and to get to battle against those guys with some of your best mates is something I will never forget."

He fondly remembers the 2009 Confederations Cup in 2009 where he played in all three games and managed a clean sheet in New Zealand's first ever point at a senior FIFA competition in the 0-0 draw with Iraq.

"I didn't get to play in the 2010 World Cup but to be part of that group, it was a special team and that obviously showed through the performances to come away undefeated. The most important thing is to be part of a good group and every time we came together it was like no one had changed, whether you are Winston Reid playing in the Premiership or a Kiwi player in the local NZ competition. I always just loved being back with the boys."

Moss has decided to step away from the national team to prolong his club career and finish it off strongly.

Newcastle are currenty second in the A Leauge.

"My body takes a bit longer to recover these days from little injuries and I couldn't ask to be in a better club environment to finish off my club career than the Newcastle Jets."