Walsh to wrap up Matildas career

Boasting 31 goals from 67 caps for the Matildas, Walsh has played in three AFC Women's Asian Cups, a FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2004 Athens Olympics.  

A succession of knee injuries hampered Walsh in the last few years and forced her to miss the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.

"I never fully recovered from having micro fracture surgery on my right knee in December 2010," he said.

"Since that surgery it has been an extremely hard and constant struggle trying to maintain the load (training) I need in order to be able to play at the international level.

"I couldn't see myself pushing through to the 2015 World Cup and felt it was the right time to step aside and let our next generation players grow into my position.

"I'm content with my decision. I know it's the right one for me and I'm thankful for my eight years with the Westfield Matildas, they feel like bonus years considering I could have taken a completely different path after enduring three knee reconstructions by my 18th birthday."

The 29-year-old, who has played in the US professional league for Pali Blues, Sky Blue FC, Saint Louis Athletica and Boston Breakers, will continue playing the W-League but will concentrate on the next stage of her career in business marketing.

"I have many passions outside of football, with marketing being one that I am very passionate in continuing and I'm looking forward to the next part of my life to take shape," Walsh said.

"Football is an extremely important part of my life and I intend to give back to the game in one way or another."

Walsh is set to play her final international in the green and gold against Olympic champion USA on 19 September (20 September) in Denver, Colorado.

The Aussie girls will also play Haiti on 13 September (14 September) and the USA on 16 September (17 September).