Ria Percival announces international retirement

Ria Percival has today (7 April) announced her retirement from international football following an impressive career with New Zealand, earning an incredible 166 caps - the country’s all-time appearance holder.

Taking to Instagram, the 34-year-old shared a heartfelt message…

"It comes with a heavy heart that I've made the decision to retire from international football.

"It has been one of the most difficult decisions that I've ever had to make, and it's not one that I've taken lightly but I feel that it is the right time for me. I have represented New Zealand proudly for the last 18 years and it has been an absolute honour."

Ria's full statement is here...

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A post shared by Ria Percival (@riapercy_2)

The midfielder made her senior international at the age of 17 in 2006 and played in her first World Cup one year later and went on to represent her country in another four – 2011, 2015, 2019 – including the most recent one, and the most special of all, a World Cup on home social in the summer of 2023.

Stepping out in the World Cup opener in Auckland, the moment was even more memorable for Ria who, just fourteen months prior to this, suffered a serious knee injury but she fought her way back to start for the ‘Football Ferns’.

In January, 2024, the experienced midfielder was recognised on New Zealand New Year’s Honours and were made ‘Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit’ for services to football.

Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur would like to congratulate Ria on an incredible international career.