The Wellington Phoenix have agreed to release foundation player Chloe Knott from the remainder of her contract, with the midfielder citing "financial strain" as her reason for departing.
The Phoenix announced this afternoon Knott has made the "difficult decision" to put her professional football career on hold as it is no longer "sustainable" for her.
The 27-year-old found it challenging working a full-time job alongside being a part-time A-League footballer, while also meeting her financial obligations, the Phoenix said.
"The decision to leave the team has been the toughest one I've ever had to make and is not something I have taken lightly," Knott added in the statement.
"I feel lucky for all the lessons and experiences I have had over the past three seasons, and mostly for the connections and friendships I'll have for the rest of my life.
"I'm at a stage in my life where I feel free and empowered to choose the spaces that are most conducive to my personal fulfilment and becoming the person I want to be."
Knott has been a significant piece of the team since its establishment in 2021, playing every one of the Phoenix women's 38 matches to date while finding the back of the net five times — including most recently her match-winner against Perth on Saturday in Auckland.
She also captain the side last season in injured skipper Lily Alfred's absence and was a vice-captain this year under new coach Paul Temple.
"I want to thank Chloe for the fantastic service she's given this team and the club," Temple said. "Her attitude and commitment have always been incredibly professional. She's an amazing person and we will certainly miss having her presence around the training ground.
"It's without doubt disappointing to lose a player like Chloe, but we have to respect her decision and support her with finding a better work-life balance.
"In a way, it's fitting she was able to finish up scoring the winning goal in her hometown on Saturday night."
The Phoenix said they are looking at potential replacements for Knott with the squad's depth being tested as fellow midfielder Grace Wisnewski is sidelined for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.
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