Experienced defender Anna Green has retired from Football Ferns duty, ruling herself out of this year's FIFA women's World Cup.
Anna Green challenge for the ball during New Zealand's friendly international against the United States at Eden Park. Photo: Photosport
Green, 32, announced her departure from the internationa game on social media, describing her 82-match career for New Zealand which stretches back to 2006 as an "incredible journey".
A week after playing 90 minutes for the Football Ferns in both of their heavy losses to the United States on home soil, she said it was time to focus her efforts on domestic football with Sydney FC in the women's A-League.
She would have been a probable selection in the squad for the World Cup co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia in July and August.
Green has already contested three World Cups and played at four Olympic Games.
She scored eight international goals, including a spectacular long-range strike last year against Australia.
"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 I was handed my first cap," Green wrote.
"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 excitement for what lies ahead."
- RNZ
