'I feel relieved': Matildas stalwart's 'next chapter'

Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams has announced that she will retire from international football following Australia’s campaign at Paris 2024.

The 35-year-old will finish her international career as the Matildas’ longest-serving player after 19 years with the national team.

Williams made her debut for the Matildas in 2005 as a 15-year-old and has since gone on to feature in five FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments, four Asian Cup campaigns and two Olympic Games across her 103 caps.

The proud Noongar woman was the Matildas’ first-choice goalkeeper during the side’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup triumph in 2021.

Throughout her professional career, Williams has played in Australia, America and Europe — and is now back playing for Melbourne victory.

“I feel relieved. It’s pretty surreal right now but I’m receiving a lot of love and I’m excited to start the next chapter of my life,” Williams said speaking on Nine’s Today.

“It’s been amazing. It is still a bit of a pinch me moment. We love what we’ve done for the country but we’ve got more to do. It’s just all wrapped up nicely in the last 19 years of playing.

“The group has always been really welcoming and loving. When we see an opportunity we want to take it with both hands and change the dynamic.