Matildas stalwart announces retirement plans

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Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams has announced that she will retire from international football following Australia's campaign at Paris 2024.

Lydia Williams - Figure 1
Photo Wide World of Sports

The 35-year-old will finish her international career as the Matildas' longest-serving player after 19 years with the national team.

Williams made her debut for the Matildas in 2005 as a 15-year-old and has since gone on to feature in five FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments, four Asian Cup campaigns and two Olympic Games across her 103 caps.

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Lydia Williams - Figure 2
Photo Wide World of Sports

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Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams dives for the ball during a training session. (Getty)

The proud Noongar woman was the Matildas' first-choice goalkeeper during the side's AFC Women's Asian Cup triumph in 2021.

Throughout her professional career, Williams has played in Australia, America and Europe — and is now back playing for Melbourne victory.

"I feel at peace with the decision," Williams said of her decision to hang up her boots after Paris.

Lydia Williams - Figure 3
Photo Wide World of Sports

Lydia Williams unveils the Australian Olympic football uniform for Paris 2024. (Nick Moir)

"I'm extremely lucky that I get to go out, the way that I want to, and have the opportunity to share that with the girls and everyone who's fallen in love with the Tillies."

On Thursday, Williams was announced as a goalkeeper in the inaugural A-League Women All Stars team ahead of the side's exhibition match against Arsenal Women on May 24 at Marvel Stadium.

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