'It's important to clarify': Matildas star Kyah Simon dispels international retirement talk

A lengthy absence from the international stage has left many questioning Kyah Simon's availability for the Matildas, but the star midfielder has now set the record straight.

Simon has not played for the Matildas in more than three years because of a troubling run with injuries, while also navigating the selection preferences of national coaches.

With the next generation of stars coming through the ranks, it has only elevated the challenge for any player - even Simon - to get their hands on a Matildas jersey.

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With 111 caps to her name, Simon's absence from the pitch in that jersey has seen an increase in speculation that she can now be deemed a "former Matilda".

Those using that phrase are wrong.

"Recently I've seen a lot of references to me as a 'former Matilda', and I feel it's important to clarify that in my own words," she wrote on Instagram.

"I felt it was important to speak for myself. I don't usually feel the need to explain or justify. But I've learned that when you don't own your narrative, speculation fills the space.

"This is me choosing clarity.

"I have not retired from international football."

Simon has not been named in a Matildas squad since the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup - a selection that was deemed controversial due to her lack of game time in the build-up to the tournament.

With her recovery from a major knee injury suffered in October 2022 throwing a spanner in the works ahead of the World Cup, Simon became an unused substitute for the tournament.

At that time, Simon was playing for the Central Coast Mariners at club level. She later made the move overseas where she joined Dijon FCO, where she still plays.

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The 34-year-old admitted the move was made as she felt she still had "more to give".

"I wanted to put myself back into a high performance environment, compete at a high level, and earn everything again properly - through fitness and form," she continued.

"The past few years have been challenging - it's been a stop-start period, navigating rehab, season timing, limited full-time contracts in the A-League ...

"Of course, representing Australia remains a goal. but selection comes from consistency, match minutes and performance."

Simon was not named in Joe Montemurro's Asian Cup squad, though she admitted she "understood realistically" where she was as a player.

Currently managing a groin strain, she conceded it would have been "special to be part" of the team for a major home tournament but her priority remains her health.

Still, she is proud to have discovered her "purpose alongside football" in this time.

"One thing this period has taught me deeply is the importance of identity beyond football," Simon added..

"When the game pauses, whether through injury or selection, so does the noise. The praise quiets [sic], the criticism can grow loud, and you're left with yourself.

"I've learned that self-worth can't be attached purely to what you do on the pitch. It has to exist beyond it.

"I'll continue playing for as long as I can. I feel incredibly grateful to do this for a living.

"It wouldn't sit right with me to walk away while I still feel there's more inside. If it's meant to be, it will be.

"Let's get behind the girls to bring this cup back home. Let's go Tillies."

The Asian Cup will kick off in Perth on March 1.