David Ball has called time on his Wellington Phoenix career after five-and-a-half years with the Isuzu UTE A-League side.
Ball and the Phoenix have mutually agreed to terminate the remaining six month’s of the 35-year-old’s contract.
The Englishman leaves Wellington a “legend” after arriving in July 2019. He is one of just 16 men to play 100 A-Leagues games for the club and helped the ‘Nix reach the Finals Series in four of his full five seasons.
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Ball tallied 15 goals and 26 assists during his time with the Phoenix.
“It’s been a tough call to make,” Ball said. “There have been a lot of tears coming to this decision as the Phoenix have been a huge part of mine and my family’s life.
“I’ve put my heart and soul into the club since I got here and I’ve fallen in love with the Nix, the people around it and the fans.
“It’s probably been the toughest decision of my career.”
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Ball, who helped Wellington reach the 2023-24 Semi-Finals after narrowly missing out on a maiden Premiership and Grand Final berth, added: “I wanted to help solidify the Phoenix as a club that regular plays in the finals and challenges for titles.
“We’ve surpassed every bit of history the club’s had since I arrived and I believe I’ve left the club in a better place than when I first came to it.
“I think that’s the most important thing to me is that I’m remembered for being in those sides that created history.”
Ball is yet to make a decision on his future, though the veteran has not ruled out returning to the Phoenix down the track.
“I haven’t made that decision yet. I want a bit of time to digest leaving the Phoenix because there are a lot of emotions,” he said.
“I’ll do that with family and make the right decision for our future, but it definitely isn’t the end for my time in New Zealand.”
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He continued: “The club’s been fantastic with me throughout this process.
“We’ve finished on great terms and if the opportunity comes to be part of the football club in the future I’d jump at the opportunity.
“I appreciate Shaun Gill, David Dome and the Welnix Group for the faith they’ve put in me for the five and a half years that I’ve been here.
“And obviously everyone behind the scenes that people don’t see like the office staff and the volunteers, and of course the Yellow Fever.
“They’re all crucial parts to the growth of this club from where we were five years ago to where we are right now. It’s a big difference so I’d like to thank all of them as well.”
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Wellington director of football Shaun Gill added: “Bally is the ultimate pro.
“He’s been a tremendous role model for the players coming through our academy and has been influential in the team’s success over the past five years.
“He’s also been incredibly professional in how he’s conducted himself through what has been a difficult process.
“We wish Bally all the best for his future and have no doubt he’ll still have a major role to play in football in Wellington in the coming years.”
