Perth Glory can confirm that long-serving defender Kim Carroll has announced that she intends to retire at the end of the current Liberty A-League season.
The 35-year-old is in her seventh season with the club for whom she has made a total of 91 A-League Women appearances, while her career tally in the competition passed the 150-mark earlier this year.
Carroll joined Glory ahead of the 2015/16 campaign having won a Premiership and two Championships with Brisbane Roar and immediately became a cornerstone of the club’s defence.
Either side of a one-season return to Roar in 2020/21, she moved to fourth position in Glory’s all-time record-appearances list and memorably scored her first ever goal in purple against Canberra United in December 2019.
In addition to being one of the domestic competition’s greatest ever defenders, Carroll also enjoyed a storied international career, winning 54 Matildas caps and being a part of the squad which claimed the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2010.
Having started in all but one of Glory’s ALW games this season, she admitted the decision to hang up her boots at the end of it had not been an easy one to make.
“In the last couple of seasons, it’s been in the back of my mind,” she said.
“I’d love to play forever, but that’s not reality.
“The plan was to stop when I stopped enjoying it, but that hasn’t been the case as I’m still enjoying it and I’m keeping up and I’m competitive.
“But it just feels like the right time.
“I wanted to finish on my terms, not play on until I’m not enjoying it and I’m ready for the next chapter in my life.
“I’ve got a partner now and I’m looking to enjoy life outside football.
““Perth means a lot to me and it’s become home in a sense and the fans have been great over the years.
“I’d like to thank my partner and my family, along with the fantastic players that I’ve played with throughout my career.
“There’s also my boss at work, who has been really understanding and there have been a lot of coaches and support staff along the way and people at clubs that I’ve kept in touch with.
“Once the season finishes, it’ll be nice to have a relaxing holiday and then I’ll focus on my other career and hopefully a family.”
Glory Head Coach Alex Epakis was unstinting in his praise of the contribution Carroll has made over the course of her illustrious club and international career.
“Kim has been a long-serving asset to the women’s game and to the wider context of Australian football,” he said.
“Her decision to retire at the end of the season is one which I respect and I am very pleased she has been able to make this decision on her terms and on her timing.
“She has been a massive contributor to the team and the club and over the last two seasons, I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to coach her and lean on her experience and leadership.
“There is no doubt she has made me a better coach along the journey.
“She has undoubtedly had a tremendous impact on the game, both on and off the field, whilst playing a role in ensuring that the women’s game moves forward.
“I will always be grateful to have been involved in a very small part of her journey and I look forward to seeing her continue to be a success in the other areas of her life away from football.
“Kim will always be welcome at the club and I wish her the absolute best in her future endeavours.”
Those sentiments were echoed by Glory CEO Anthony Radich.
“Kim’s place as one of Glory’s greats is well and truly assured,” he said.
“Her contribution to the club, on and off the field, has been massive and it is hard to imagine our A-League Women’s side lining up without her in it.
“On behalf of everyone associated with Perth Glory, I would like to say a huge thank you to Kim for her outstanding service and wish her and her partner all the very best for the future.
“She will always remain a cherished member of the Glory family.”
Carroll’s final home appearance for Glory will be in Sunday’s crunch clash with Melbourne City at Macedonia Park (kick-off at 3pm).
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