Ria Percival, New Zealand’s most capped player, announced her retirement from international football earlier this month.
The 34 year old has stepped out for her country 166 times, the most by any New Zealander – men or women. She has captained the Football Ferns a number of times, including at last year’s World Cup. Having debuted in 2006, Percival’s nearly 20 year international career has seen her compete at 5 World Cups and 4 Olympic Games.
In announcing her retirement, Percival wrote this was a decision she has made with “a heavy heart”. Reflecting on her long career, she thanks her fellow Ferns, both past and present. Percival acknowledges her impact on inspiring the next generation, and it is safe to say she has left the game in a better place than she found it.
Currently plying her trade for Crystal Palace in the FA Women’s Championship, the midfielder still has a good number of years ahead of her in club football. Percival and Crystal Palace are currently in a tense battle for promotion with Sunderland. On loan from Tottenham, there’s a good chance next season could see Percival back in the WSL. She could also perhaps add to the growing number of New Zealand players in the NWSL, or even make her way to the A League. Wherever she goes next though, Ria Percival can be proud of an incredible career for her national team.
For more football related articles, click here.
Find Sporting Her on social media by searching @SportingHer – Instagram // Twitter // TikTok.
