All Whites skipper announces retirement

Winton Reid has played 32 time for New Zealand.
Photo: Photosport

The All Whites captain Winston Reid will retire from international football after Sunday’s match against Australia in Auckland.

The 34-year-old former West Ham defender has played 32 times for the national team, nearly half as captain.

He made over 200 appearances for The Hammers including winning their Player of the Year award in 2013.

He also had spells with MLS side Sporting Kansas City in 2020 and Brentford FC in 2021 as part of their Premier League promotion winning run.

“It is great to have the opportunity to play my final international game in Auckland. It’s going to be nice to come home to the city I grew up in where I first started playing football.

“There’s so many memories that it’s hard to single one out. The World Cup (2010) was special for me because I was very young and playing and scoring in it was amazing.

“It’s something I’ll always be thankful for and grateful for. But I’ve been fortunate enough to have a long career, for both club and country, and captaining the national team has been an honour.”

All Whites head coach Danny Hay praised Winston Reid’s influence on his young side and the pathway he has carved for future generations of Kiwi footballers:

“Winnie is a true legend of New Zealand football who paved the way for future players, along with other legends like Ryan Nelsen, showing that a Kiwi kid could do it at the highest level of the game.

“The mana he holds within this group of players is inspiring and I know he is someone the squad have hugely benefited from being around on and off the pitch.”

-RNZ