The 16 year international career of former Football Ferns captain Abby Erceg is finally over.
In naming her Football Ferns squad for upcoming matches against world champions United States, New Zealand coach Jitka Klimkovā confirmed Erceg's 146 match international career was over.
Erceg hasn't played for New Zealand for almost a year seemingly unavailable due to club commitments.
Abby Erceg Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"She wants to focus now on her club and be with her club fully," said Klimková.
The 33 year old is contracted to continue playing for the North Carolina Courage in the women's MLS in the United States.
"Everybody's journey is different and if that's the way how she wants to approach her football, we understand and we have to move on.
"I thank her for everything she has done for the Ferns, for New Zealand.
"Now is the time to move on."
Klimkovā says she didn't attempt to persuade Erceg to change her mind again, having come out of retirement once before in 2018.
"This chapter is behind us, I am not thinking about what-if, I am very respectful of her decision."
Erceg first played for the Football Ferns in 2006.
She played in four Olympic Games and four World Cups.
