Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Matildas stalwart Tameka Yallop has parted ways with Brisbane Roar to join Wellington Phoenix.
A foundation Roar player, Yallop’s desire to be closer to her family in New Zealand has led to her move to the Phoenix after three stints with the Queensland club that totalled 14 years of service.
Such is the high regard Yallop, 35, is held in by the Roar, she will become the first player in the club’s history to have her jersey number – 13 – retired.
“She was there for the very first (Roar women’s team) match in 2008 and she kept coming back because this is home,” the club’s chief executive Kaz Patafta said.
“Tameka defines what it means to be a Brisbane Roar footballer.”
Yallop, who is set to play for the A-League All-Stars women’s team against Chelsea in Sydney on Wednesday night, said the Roar would “always” be her “home”.
“The orange jersey is heavily immersed in my football journey and it will forever be a part of me,” the veteran of 136 Matildas appearances said.
“I am so proud and honoured to have lifted trophies and shared the field with such incredible players and people throughout my time at the club.
“I am Roar’s No.1 fan and will forever be cheering on the girls and anyone who puts on that jersey.
“The girls have not only been amazing teammates and friends, they have and will
continue to be so inspirational to both of my young daughters.”
However, attacking midfielder Yallop said she also had “pretty strong ties” to New Zealand.
“My wife is a Kiwi … and I spend a little bit of time over here. We have two little ones and my eldest daughter has got a Tillies jersey and a Ferns jersey, and she tells everyone that she is Kiwi-Aussie or Aussie-Kiwi,” she said.
“It’s come to the point where we wanted to represent the New Zealand side of the family.
“It’s a high performance environment in Wellington and that’s something that I love being a part of. I feel like I’ve still got a lot to offer.
“Experience and maturity are two attributes I bring to the club.”
