Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs Matildas veteran Clare Polkinghorne has paid tribute to her family and those who fostered her soccer career, as she prepares to run out onto Suncorp Stadium for the final time.After more than 18 years in the gold jumper, the star defender has announced her retirement from the international game at the end of 2024, with tonight’s friendly against Brazil potentially her last outing.Clare Polkinghorne signs autographs after her record-breaking 152nd game for the Matildas last year.Credit: GettyInterim Australia coach Tom Sermanni declared Polkinghorne a “legend”, and praised her as the “absolute team player” across his two stints as the team’s boss.As for Polkinghorne, the nation’s most capped player with 167 appearances was simply salivating at the chance to perform on the same hallowed turf she grew up dreaming to play on.Loading“Obviously it’s really special for me to be able to come back to Brisbane and play one last game in the city I grew up in, at a stadium that means so much to me, and in front of my family and friends and all the people who have helped me along my journey who I wouldn’t be here without today,” Polkinghorne said.“I’m really excited about my next chapter, but the focus is on enjoying the last little bit and soaking it all up.”Polkinghorne confirmed she had her eyes fixed on pursuing coaching, having found a passion for nurturing the next generation of Matildas.
