Matildas star Hayley Raso delivers a sad bombshell about her career just weeks before the start of the Olympics
- Big blow for the World Cup star just before the Paris Games
- Was chosen in the selection of coaches for the Olympic Games
- ‘Football doesn’t always go as we plan’
Hayley Raso has revealed she has been shock ousted by football giants Real Madrid after spending two seasons at the Spanish club.
The 29-year-old Matildas star is now looking for a new team after telling her fans the sad news in an Instagram post on Monday.
Raso made history as the first Australian to play for the world-famous club and has been dropped due to restrictions on the number of foreign players allowed to star in the Spanish women’s league.
“What an honor it was to wear the white shirt,” Raso wrote on social media.
Hayley Raso says goodbye to Real Madrid after 28 games for the Spanish club
The 29-year-old Matildas star (pictured left, playing for Real last month) revealed the sad news in an Instagram post, saying she ‘never could have dreamed’ of playing for the famous side.
‘Thank you @realmadridfem, my teammates, the staff, the club and the fans who welcomed me with open arms. I will always hold you all dear in my heart.
‘This little Australian girl could never have dreamed of this.
“In saying that, I have learned in my career that football does not always go the way we plan… it is time for me to move on to a new adventure.
‘I will always support from a distance. But most importantly, I will carry the friendships I have made with me for a lifetime.
‘Muchas gracias por todo. Hala Madrid, siempre [Thank you very much for everything. Come on Madrid always].’
Raso previously played for Everton and Manchester City in England, and also played for the Melbourne Victory and Brisbane Roar.
Raso (pictured playing for the Matildas against China this month) now needs a new team
She started 10 of her 28 matches for Real, scoring four goals and adding four goal assists.
She will be one of the brightest talents for the Matildas in Paris after joining coach Tony Gustavsson’s squad earlier this month.
With the side already missing captain Sam Kerr through injury, Raso is one of the team’s key players as they also sweat on the fitness of Katrina Gorry and striker Caitlin Foord.
The Queenslander was a star for the Matildas at last year’s World Cup and will again play a big role in Paris, where the Aussies start their campaign against giants Germany on July 25.
The Queenslander (pictured right playing against China) will be one of Australia’s key players at the Paris Olympics next month
The Matildas will effectively be in each other’s pockets as they work through a tough training camp.
Australia can play two friendlies in the international competition between July 8 and 16 and should secure at least one depending on the quality of opponents available.
Gustavsson admitted this could mean the Matildas would not be in top form during those friendlies, but he has the bigger picture in mind.
“It’s going to be a three-week camp where it’s very, very intense,” he said.
‘It will be double sessions or triple sessions, gym sessions, running sessions, football sessions to make sure we peak on July 25.
