Wellington Phoenix star Chloe Knott has been released from the remainder of her Liberty A-League contract after deciding to step away from football.
Knott has yet to miss a game for the Phoenix in their history, however, the 27-year-old vice-captain made the decision to put her professional football career on hold due to the challenges of working a full-time job alongside her Wellington commitments.
She has played every one of Wellington’s 38 Liberty A-League games, scoring five goals – including the match-winner against Perth Glory in Auckland last week.
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“The decision to leave the team has been the toughest one I’ve ever had to make and is not something I have taken lightly,” Knott said.
“I feel lucky for all the lessons and experiences I have had over the past three seasons, and mostly for the connections and friendships I’ll have for the rest of my life.
“I’m at a stage in my life where I feel free and empowered to choose the spaces that are most conducive to my personal fulfilment and becoming the person I want to be.”
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Knott serve as ‘Nix captain for the majority of the 2022-23 season in the absence of injured skipper Lily Alfeld.
She was named as one of the club’s vice-captains following the appointment of head coach Paul Temple.
Knott played all six matches for the high-flying Phoenix this season.
“I want to thank Chloe for the fantastic service she’s given this team and the club,” Temple said.
“Her attitude and commitment have always been incredibly professional. She’s an amazing person and we will certainly miss having her presence around the training ground.
“It’s without doubt disappointing to lose a player like Chloe, but we have to respect her decision and support her with finding a better work-life balance.
“In a way, it’s fitting she was able to finish up scoring the winning goal in her hometown on Saturday night.”
