Wellington Phoenix captain Annalie Longo has confirmed Sunday’s 1-1 Ninja A-League draw with Western United was her final game in professional football.
The Phoenix skipper was substituted to rapturous applause in the 79th minute as she left the field before she then embraced head coach Paul Temple, who was also coaching the team for the final time before departing the club.
Asked after the game whether or not she would be departing the Phoenix, Longo confirmed the contest at Porirua Park would be both her last game for the club and in professional football.
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“I didn’t want today to be about me,” said Longo when speaking to club media after the game.
“I’m pretty emotional. I got subbed off and then the girls scored a goal so clearly they don’t need me!
“I’ve said right from the start that I just wanted to give absolutely everything in the Phoenix jersey, and I think I’ve done that.
“Never guarantee what the future holds but it’s my last game of professional football.
She continued: “I love the game, I’m so passionate about it so it’s sad to leave what you’re doing, but for me it’s the right time.
“I gave it absolutely everything and had a really good so I can be very proud to walk away.”
Whilst the Phoenix missed out on playing finals football again this season, 33-year-old Longo has shone individually this campaign.
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Not only did she bag three goals and register five assists this season but the playmaker has also been one of the most creative players in the Ninja A-League this campaign, creating a league-high 52 chances.
“I think I always wanted to walk away from the game in a really good place.
“I’ve worked hard to get that back into the Ferns environment and create a solid foundation of players, and it’s exactly the same here at the Wellington Phoenix.
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“I never wanted to be one of those players that hangs on and like passes it on to the next group of players. [I’ve tried to] leave a good legacy and leave it as best as I can.
“I’ve given it absolutely everything to the game and I’m excited for the future and what that brings.
“I still love football and I’m passionate about the game so I’m sure I’ll continue to give back to the game but it’s time for a new generation to come through and shine.”
A Championship winner with Melbourne Victory in 2020-21, Longo also played for Sydney FC and leaves the game having chalked up a total of 72 Ninja A-League appearances as well as playing 133 times for the New Zealand national team.
