Michelle Heyman referenced a “very surreal” story regarding injured superstar Sam Kerr as the Canberra United star described how her Matildas re-call has changed her life.
After six years in the international wilderness, A-Leagues legend Heyman earned a spot in the Matildas squad for this month’s 2024 Olympic Games qualifying play-off against Uzbekistan.
The 35-year-old has not represented the Matildas since 2018 having retired from the national team the following year.
FULL SQUAD: A-Leagues icon makes epic return as Matildas name squad for Olympic qualifiers
‘WE SHOULD BE EXCITED’: Gustavsson’s big A-Leagues praise as he explains two surprise call-ups
But with Kerr injured and Heyman lighting up the Liberty A-League with a competition-best 10 goals in 14 matches this season, the 61-time Australia international has played her way back into the Matildas team for a two-legged showdown with Uzbekistan on February 24 and 28.
“I feel like I’m 21 again. It’s a great feeling. It’s been six years since I’ve put on the green and gold and represented my country,” Heyman told reporters.
“For me to get this call-up, it’s changed my life. I feel like a kid again. I just can’t wait to be back with the team to help. Give a little bit of me, to show them I still have this.
“I just can’t wait to take this opportunity and run with it. I haven’t been around the team in a very long time but I’m excited to be back with my little roommate Katrina Gorry.
“It’s been five years since we’ve been roommates so just to be able to spend some time with a best friend against, it’s going to be something very special.”
Kerr’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury has opened the door for Heyman to be selected by Tony Gustavsson as the Matildas eye the Paris Games later this year.
“It’s really sad news with Sam and another sad thing is that’s how my career started back in 2010,” said Heyman.
“Sam did a knee and I got her spot then. It’s a very surreal, weird feeling to think that this has happened again many years later.”
Heyman surpassed Kerr as the Liberty A-League’s all-time top scorer and became the first player to score 100 competition goals in January.
She currently sits atop the Golden Boot charts heading into Round 16.
Her Matildas comeback caps an incredible journey for Heyman, who announced her retirement in 2019 but returned to Canberra in December, 2020.
ETORO TRANSFER POWER RANKINGS: Victory star’s impressive streak leads to big jump in standings
VOTE TODAY: January nominees for Liberty A-League Fan Player of the Month
“The year I retired, I really needed a break,” Heyman said.
“Back then in 2019, you couldn’t really use the word mental health, you just had to retire and step away… but since 2020, I came back into the A-League and played an incredible season.
“(I) won the Julie Dolan Award and scored multiple goals. I loved every minute of it and love football so much, it sparked a fire in my belly.
“Since 2020, I’ve been fighting to get back into this squad. To get given this chance, it means the world to me. I just want to take it and make the most of it.”
Asked if she would be here without the year off, Heyman replied: “Definitely not. I needed that break.
“I needed that time to be a human, not a robot. Camp back then, being in the national team was a lot and a lot on your body. I definitely needed a rest.
“It’s weird but I feel fitter, stronger, I’m happier and healthier than I was back then. I’ve grown so much.”
