Lindsey: "Never let a coach decide how good you want to be"

"Never let a coach decide how good you want to be."

For 30 years Lori Lindsey has lived out that creed and in return become one of the most enduring and loved footballers.

In a 15 year professional career the midfielder has amassed nearly 150 games and her longevity means she is a rare footballer to have played in all three incarnations of the US women's professional leagues (WUSA, WPS and NWSL).

Lindsey also gained 31 caps for the USA Women's National Team, participating in two of the biggest women's football tournaments; the FIFA Women's World Cup (2011) and the Olympic Game (2012).

On Sunday afternoon in Perth, Lindsey pulls on the boots for the last time as a professional footballer.

It will be a bittersweet moment but one that has been "coming for a while". Retiring from the NWSL in a heartfelt letter in August, Lindsey could have ended her playing days at home but she felt she had one last task before hanging up her boots.

"I felt like we had unfinished business here last year," she said of her return to Canberra.

"I knew, after kind of announcing my retirement back in the States that that would be my last season in the NWSL, in America but I wanted to come here and give it one last go."

After shaking off a foot injury that hampered her late in the NWSL season and early W-League, the 34 year old has been a crucial part of Canberra's midfield.

As she has her whole career, Lindsey has been a reliable, calm and steady presence, even during periods the Season 6 premiers displayed inconsistent form.

"It sounds kind of cliché but I will stand by the fact that the journey in itself has been amazing."

In the semi final against defending champions Melbourne Victory, Lindsey was again at her best with her composure on the ball, vision and passing range creating many chances for United.

As she excelled in 120 minutes of football in hot conditions and rode every penalty, it appeared the fire still burned bright and, if the body was still willing, she could possibly play another season.

However the Decision made, she is looking forward to the next phase in her life and unsurprisingly football will play a part. Lindsey aims to become involved in the training and fitness side of the sport, to help players prepare as best they can for top flight football.

Off the pitch she also looks to continue her advocacy for LGBT rights and issues, of which she has leveraged her sporting achievements to address.

As to her final thoughts on the ride that has taken from the grassroots to the pinnacle of the women's game.

"There has been quite a few highs and lows but I think that is true in sports in general."

"I am honoured and happy with the longevity of my career and really see the game left in a better place and also in a more popular place."

"It's wonderful to see the growth of the sport and be in the thick of it all. I couldn't ask for anything else."