‘Right time’ to go, says Wales icon Fishlock

After the Wales legend’s final international appearance, Jess Fishlock resisted choosing a time to step aside.

Fishlock continued her run as the country’s most successful footballer on Saturday, when she wore the red shirt for the 166th and final time against Australia in Cardiff.

After the final whistle, the 38-year-old gave an emotional speech on the pitch after waving goodbye to the crowd of more than 11, 000 fans at the Cardiff City Stadium in added time.

Fishlock said she had made the right decision by resuming her Wales career after her first major tournament appearance last summer despite the fact that she acknowledged that she feels physically able to play for the country.

“I do believe I can still play,” but is it still important to ask if I can continue playing for how long. It might be possible for me to do it today, but I’ll likely be in bed for two more weeks, so that’s where things get a little more challenging.

I believe the group is more than capable of moving forward at this point. And in reality, I only ever wanted to leave knowing that a group is able to advance with us.

Fishlock felt depressed as she left the field on a heartfelt afternoon in her hometown.

After the game, Fishlock spoke to the crowd and nearly wept.

Her team-mates then danced on the stage while singing “Fishlock’s on fire” and then interrupted her post-match press conference.

Fishlock said she had to figure out a way to handle life as a former international and that she had no idea how she would cope.

“My entire career, essentially, was playing for Wales before I became a professional, that’s all I’ve known. For me, there has always been stability; it’s really a safe place.

It allowed me to develop personally. Being able to represent Wales for this long has been the biggest, biggest honor of my life.

Fishlock had a fantastic Welsh career for 19 years.

Fishlock says her retirement will allow her to make her life “what I want to make it” despite her desire to play professional football for Seattle Reign for at least another year.

She said, “I have to make that choice now.”

“Hopefully I get to spend more time with my wife, which will be nice, and we can travel together so that we can grow and evolve and start a new phase of life,” she said.