After seeing herself referred to as ‘former Matilda’ in recent press reporting, Kyah Simon has used Instagram to issue a social media statement clarifying that she is still available and passionate about playing for the senior national side.

The 111-time Matilda, who famously struck the winning penalty as an 18-year-old the last time Australia won the Asian Cup, in 2010, has not played for the senior national side for three years.

She was part of Tony Gustavsson’s 2023 FIFA World Cup squad although battled injury through that tournament and didn’t recover fully enough from a knee injury suffered in October the year before. Since, she has endured a series of further injuries while at Central Coast and Sydney FC prior to returning abroad, signing with Dijon FCO in France in October.

Although overlooked by Joe Montemurro for this squad, the 34-year-old posted a heartfelt, lengthy statement about reports or inferences that she was retired from the national side.

“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.”

She admitted that her injuries have posed challenges for her in recent years, and while she is realistic about where she stands in terms of international selection, the return to football overseas has rekindled her belief and reminded her that she “has 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 wrote.

“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, back in Australia while out with a groin niggle at the moment, said the last few years had been a powerful reminder to find purpose outside her identity as a footballer.

“One thing this period has taught me deeply is the importance of identity beyond football,” Simon said.

“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.”