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(Reuters) – Former New Zealand captain Abbie Elseg will retire from international football and will not represent her country when the Soccer Ferns co-host the Women’s World Cup in July, coach Jitka Klimcova said on Friday. Told.
Klimcova, 33, has confirmed that she will no longer represent New Zealand when she picks two groups for a friendly against World Cup holders USA later this month.
“She wants to focus on her club now and be completely with her club,” said Klimcova.
“Everyone’s journey is different and if that’s how she approaches football, we understand and we have to move on. That’s the way it is.”
Erceg has made 146 appearances for New Zealand over a 16-year career, but has not been with the team since February and Klimcova does not believe the defender will reverse the decision before the World Cup. Hmm.
“That chapter is behind us,” said Klimcova. “I’m not thinking ‘what if’. I have a lot of respect for her decision and I’m sure she will continue to be part of our family.”
“I am grateful for everything she has done for Ferns and New Zealand.The 100+ caps speaks for itself.
“I appreciate what she has done in the past, but now I have to move on.”
New Zealand will play the United States on 18 and 21 January respectively in Wellington and Auckland as part of their World Cup preparations.
New Zealand are set to face Norway, the Philippines and Switzerland in the group stage, which starts on July 20.
(Reporting by Michael Church, Hong Kong; Editing by Robert Barthel)
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