Wales forward Ffion Morgan praises Jess Fishlock ahead of her retirement
CARDIFF, WALES - 29 OCTOBER 2024: Wales' Jess Fishlock scores and celebrates putting Wales 1-0 up during the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Play Off Semi Final Second Leg Match between Wales Women and Slovakia Women at The Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff on the 29th July 2024. (Pic by John Smith/FAW)
Wednesday April 5th, 2017. Wales 3-1 Northern Ireland. A memorable day in Ystrad Mynach for Ffion Morgan, who made her Wales debut.
It certainly was a day to cherish for the Wales forward, but at the same time Morgan was earning her first cap, Jess Fishlock was winning her 100th; the very first Wales international to reach a century of appearances.
Over eight years have passed since the two shared a pitch for the first time, but Saturday will mark the final time that Morgan and Fishlock will play for Wales together.
The friendly in the Valleys is still an unforgettable moment for Morgan, not only because it was her debut, but because she got to share the pitch with a true Welsh icon.
“I remember that game and her signing my first shirt, because growing up Jess was the superstar for Wales, she still is the superstar.
“For me as a young girl coming into camp, she was one of the players I thought was just really cool.
“She’s played a huge part in my journey, from my first cap to today; every experience I’ve shared with her has been special.”
Speaking to the media this week, Morgan quipped that Fishlock retiring has been a running joke within the squad for a number of years.
But now the moment is here, the striker admits it doesn’t quite feel real knowing Saturday will be Fishlock’s last dance.
“It’s funny because we have a joke in camp that Jess has said she’s going to retire for the last five years or so. After Switzerland we thought, is this the time?
“We’ve always wondered if it’s going to be it, but the fact that she’s announced it officially feels really weird.
“Jess has been a part of everyone’s journey here, so it’s strange that this is her actual last game and not something that’s just spoken about.”
This weekend will not only mark Fishlock’s final appearance, but it will also be the first match since Kayleigh Barton announced her retirement from the national team.
Morgan and Barton have been contending for a place in the Wales frontline for many years, and Morgan will miss Barton’s presence around the camp.
“Kayleigh is a player that always works so hard, and you can see that every time she stepped out on that pitch.
“Her work rate and her love for Wales is what every player should be like and is like here on camp. Everything she does, she does it wearing her heart on her sleeve.
“She says all those things in the moment and she’s just such a passionate Welsh person. Another player who’s made huge steps for Wales.”
Wales icon Jess Fishlock explains decisions behind international retirement
London Calling
It was a big summer for Wales, but it was also big for Morgan at club level, as she made the move from Bristol City to WSL side West Ham.
Having played one season of WSL football with the Robins in 2023-24 season, the striker revealed she always wanted to make it back to the topflight.
“I wanted to make that step to the WSL again and play at the highest level that I possible could. I’m really enjoying my time at West Ham.
“The football is great, and the players are really good. I do feel like I’m taking that step now, and I’m at the age now where I really want to kick on, and I feel West Ham is giving me that right now.”
The Hammers certainly possess some clinical attackers who know how to thrive in the WSL.
Both Viviane Asseyi and Shekiera Martinez have caused problems for some of the best defenders in the world, and training alongside them is pushing Morgan to improve every day.
“I have to be on top of my game in every training session, in every game in order to compete with these players, and that’s something I’ve been needing and wanting.
“Now I’m in that position and I’m learning from these girls, hopefully it’s going to do me wonders.”
In transition
With a number of injuries in the squad and some stars retiring, Wales will have a new look heading into the friendlies against Australia and Poland.
A total of eight players could make their debuts either on Saturday or Tuesday, while a number of the squad are under the age of 21.
Morgan admitted the side were in a period of transition but stressed that this was still an exciting time to be part of the Wales journey.
“This is a transition period now for us. You’ve got players like Jess and Kayleigh who have now retired, and due to injury, we’ve got a lot of change in this camp in particular.
“It’s a chance to see newer players, younger players, and it is an exciting time. It is a different feel, but we’re looking forward as a nation to building the team going forward.
“We want to get to another Euros and a World Cup. It is an exciting project.”
