Silver Fern Sarah Gregorius retires
New Zealand football has lost a real character with the retirement of Sarah Gregorius.
The 29-year-old can look back on a career that includes 82 caps and 25 goals for the Football Ferns, as well as two World Cup appearances and playing at the Olympics.
She played professionally in Australia, Britain (for Liverpool) Germany and Japan. It is an impressive CV for someone who did not begin playing football seriously for Upper Hutt until she was 12.
Gregorius took to Twitter just before Christmas to announce her retirement.
‘‘A toast with the gals to celebrate my int’l retirement! So grateful for good memories, good friends and every single one of my 82 caps.’’
Her team-mates, including striker Rosie White, recorded their regard for Gregorius on the New Zealand Football homepage .
‘‘She is definitely going to be missed in the environment. She is a character and a half. It will be a different team. Hopefully we will get a new clown.’’
Football Ferns captain Abby Erceg: ‘‘Sarah is a character. Anytime that anyone is around her she is always making them laugh. It is always fun and games when Sarah is around.’’
‘‘She organised a lot of things for us behind the scenes. She has a good business mind. On the field, she is just dynamite, she has that explosive ability. She has been around for a long time so she has that experience and leadership. She will be missed.’’
Midfielder Annalie Longo: ‘‘Sarah has been great for the Ferns and even the age group teams, for me she is a great friend and I am really sad that she is leaving. Her work, commitment and attitude on the field have been outstanding. I know I will miss her on the field.’’
Having retired from profes- sional football, Gregorius is back with her parents, Balt and MarieJoelle, who live in Brown Owl.
Her first priority is finishing her MA looking at how culture influences identity and success.
Looking back on her career, she said it was an ‘‘amazing’’ experience travelling the world playing the game she loved. Meeting so many people and pushing herself to succeed has been a big learning experience.
Her retirement is potentially good news for Upper Hutt City and depending on what she does work wise, Gregorius is keen to play locally.