Smith made her debut for the Football Ferns in April 2003 against Samoa and quickly became a fixture in the squad, making her 50th appearance in May 2011 against Australia. Her professional career has seen her play in Germany, Sweden, and Australia.
Smith will be presented with her official New Zealand Football blazer at the Football Ferns game against Brazil at the Valais Cup in Switzerland on 23 September, and said that the decision to retire was not an easy one.
“It’s never an easy decision for any athlete at the end of their career to know when to call it quits,” said Smith.
“I had been having problems with my knee since May of 2012 at the end of the VfL Wolfsburg season and was carrying a bit of it into the Olympics. I then went straight back into an intense preseason at Wolfsburg and finally had to get operated on in November, and since then, it has been a long way back.”
During recovery Smith was offered a role at FIFA as Manager of Women’s Competitions and the offer forced her to make a difficult choice.
“I think the job offer was the point where I had to make some tough decisions because during my recovery from my knee injury, I was spending most, if not all, of my time and energy on rehab and training, and at that point I knew that it was either the job or a full recovery back to football.”
Smith won a total of 74 caps for her country, making her one of the most-capped players in Football Ferns history. Those 74 caps included appearances at two FIFA Women’s World Cups and two Olympic Games.
“The highlight was actually just having been able to have a career as an international footballer for New Zealand and at times captaining the team I was and am so proud of,” said Smith.
“The highlights were the moments with my teammates or staff where we believed that we were doing something worthwhile, and that always gave me motivation. This team (Football Ferns) has a really special magic to it, and that is a tribute to each individual player as well as Tony (Readings) and the whole management team that contributes so much passion and heart.
“After playing for a number of different teams in different countries I can say that the Football Ferns were my favorite and the most meaningful. This team has stretched me more as a person because I had my highest highs and my lowest lows through my years playing with the Football Ferns.”
“My whole career has been a highlight. It’s a very special team, and I am lucky to have been able to be a part of it because it gave me one of the highlights of my life.”
Football Ferns coach Tony Readings was full of praise for the retiring Smith, noting her achievements and standing in the game.
“It is impossible to express how much Rebecca has contributed to the Football Ferns over the past ten years,” said Readings.
“Leading the team at two World Cups and an Olympic Games including scoring goals in both 2011 and 2012 is an incredible achievement. She was also a player that paved the way for New Zealand players to obtain professional contracts overseas and make football a genuine career path.
“She has played a huge part both on and off the pitch in the team’s rapid improvement during this time.”
Looking back at her playing career Smith acknowledges the support she has received throughout her career, not only from teammates and staff, but also funding support from organizations such as High Performance Sport New Zealand.
“I just want to thank everyone that has ever helped me to follow my passion for so many years. A special thank you to my teammates throughout the years and my coach, Tony Readings and his incredible staff, who have without hesitation always supported me throughout my career,” continued Smith.
“It’s never just about the athlete that allows her to play at top level for many years, but the support and team around her.”
New Zealand Football will honour Smith’s contribution to the game by presenting her with her official blazer – a process that New Zealand Football began in 2011 to honour its past players.
Rebecca Smith – Fact File
‘A’ Internationals : 74
Goals : 6
Debut : April 7, 2003 v Samoa
Last Game : August 3, 2012 v USA
All matches
Played : 85 (45 as Captain)
Goals : 6
FIFA Competitions
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2007
Olympic Games 2008
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011
Olympic Games 2012
Honours
NZF Women’s Player of the Year 2007
FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year Nomination 2007
OFC Oceania Player of the Year 2011
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

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