Wales’ record cap holder Jess Fishlock has revealed that she believes her loan move to Reading this season has prolonged her playing career.
Fishlock explained how being home in Wales, close to her family and friends has re-energised her 15-year career.
Following her knee injury and Covid 19 disturbing her NWSL season with OL Reign, Fishlock had time to make a decision for herself and her future.
“That decision was to come home, it was by far the best decision I’ve made,” she said.
She joined Reading on loan from OL Reign in the summer, returning to the WSL for the first time since 2012.
It allowed her to link up with her Wales national teammates Tash Harding, Angharad James, Rachel Rowe, Lily Woodham and now Bethan Roberts.
“I don’t feel like I’m 34, I feel like I’m young and active to want to continue my career for a few more years,” Fishlock explained.
“Before I was like: ‘I’m pretty much done’ now I’m the complete opposite.
“I have a new lease of life; I feel like a kid and I want to enjoy every second.
“It will absolutely prolong my career what that looks like I don’t know, but if I’m going off of how I feel now then I don’t want to put a time on how long I’ve got left because I feel great.
Her loan move to Reading allowed the midfielder to be close to home for the longest period in years.
Since leaving Bristol in 2012, Fishlock has played for some of football’s best teams from across the globe, playing in the US, Australia, France, Germany and Scotland.
“It’s 100% down to being at home, being around my family and my friends, being around my sisters’ little babies has just changed my entire life.
“I haven’t been around it for so long, I forgot for so long what it was like to be with my family.
“My career was so regimented that I forgot what it was like to be around them. This has changed everything.”
The five-time Welsh Female Footballer of the Year enjoyed a successful loan spell at Reading, scoring twice and providing three assists whilst being nominated for December’s WSL Player of the Month.
After Wales’s upcoming friendlies against Canada and Denmark in Cardiff, Fishlock will be returning Stateside.
Her loan at Reading has come to an end meaning she will be linking back up with OL Reign ahead of the 2021 NWSL season.
“I’ve loved every second of being home in Wales,” Fishlock said. “It’s fitting that I leave on a Welsh camp, I think that is perfect.
“I’m just really looking forward to this week working with these girls before head back to my gals in Seattle. I have nothing but things to look forward to.
The OL Reign midfielder explained how she is looking forward to getting back to her normal life in Seattle after her time at home.
“The culture and lifestyle is very different over there which I’m looking forward to.
“I’m really excited to getting back to the Reign, the group looks great, the squad looks so talented.
“I’ve been a part of the Reign for almost a decade so I can’t wait to get back get back into that vibe.”
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