Matildas defender Clare Polkinghorne will retire from international football, ending a career spanning almost two decades.

Polkinghorne announced her retirement on Wednesday before the Matildas’ fixtures away to Switzerland and Germany later in October.

She will hang up her boots in December, aiming to have a farewell game in her home town of Brisbane when the Matildas play Brazil.

The 35-year-old is Australia’s all-time highest-capped player with 167 appearances after debuting at 17 in 2006 under now-interim coach Tom Sermanni.

She will continue her club career at Kristianstads DFF in the Swedish women’s football association while working towards her coaching licence.

It’s hard to imagine the Matildas without Clare Polkinghorne, but tonight she is announcing her retirement from international football. The legendary defender spoke to 10 News First exclusively from Sweden, to reveal her tough decision | @TheMatildas @10SportAU @10FootballAU… pic.twitter.com/L0dQVf5T72

— 10 News First (@10NewsFirst) October 2, 2024

“The team has been a massive part of my life for 18-and-a-half years. It’s definitely going to be difficult to say goodbye,” Polkinghorne told 10 News.

“Being a footballer has been the best job in the world, and I’ve been lucky enough to have that as a career for many, many years, and I’ve loved every part of it.”

Polkinghorne’s announcement follows Australia’s Paris Olympic group defeat to the US in August, with the Matildas knocked out of the tournament following a comprehensive 2-1 loss in group B.

The Queensland product player has been called up to five FIFA Women’s World Cup squads (2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023) and is a three-time Olympian (2016, 2020, 2024).

“I’ve given everything I have for this jersey. Mentally, physically, emotionally… This was the perfect time for me to announce my retirement.”

18 years and a lifetime of memories 🥺 @clarepolks89 we can’t wait to celebrate you at home 🫶#Matildas pic.twitter.com/yssFzvu6Gh

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) October 2, 2024

Part of the Matildas team to have reached their first knockout win in 2015 and first Olympics semi-final appearance in 2021, Polkinghorne also played in their 2010 Asian Cup victory – the first continental trophy for Australia.

Polkinghorne’s club career began at hometown club Brisbane Roar, twice winning the premiership and grand final across 140 appearances for the A-League Women club over several stints since 2008.

She is a two-time Julie Dolan medallist (2012-13, 2017-18), the domestic competition’s highest individual award for a women’s player.

Polkinghorne played for Swedish club Vittsjö GIK, National Women’s Soccer League teams Portland Thorns and Houston Dash, and Norwegian club Avaldnses IL before landing at Kristianstads.

-AAP