- He has chosen not to play in four friendlies in Australia
- They cited mental health and physical fatigue for the break.
- He has shared a message to his followers on social networks.
Just days after the Matildas achieved a much-needed victory against Chinese Taipei, Australian forward Mary Fowler posted a dunk on social media that included a very telling message.
The Manchester City star is currently taking time away from the sport, citing physical and mental fatigue.
He missed both of the Matildas’ losses to Brazil and Wednesday night’s win over Chinese Taipei, and will not suit up for tonight’s game.
Fowler is in Australia spending time with friends, family and partner Nathan Cleary and posted a series of photos on Instagram on Friday.
They included her relaxing on the beach in a bikini, walking through a rainforest and reading the book “What I Wish I’d Known When I was Young” by political columnists Rachel Sylvester and Alice Thomson.
It also included a message that appears in a screenshot that reads: “Life is better when you decide that your value is not a group decision.”
Matildas star Mary Fowler opted not to play in the four friendlies in Australia citing physical and mental fatigue.
The Matildas forward posted this message along with images of her recharging energy on her return to Australia
The Matildas have struggled without Fowler but managed an unconvincing win over Chinese Taipei.
The post also did not include any images with Cleary, but one of Fowler’s followers confirmed that they were together during their break.
“I saw you and Nathan pick up your brother and sister (I think) at Varsity Station and it was great to see you both relaxed and happy,” they posted.
‘As a fan, seeing you spend valuable time with your loved ones truly transcends sport. “My best wishes for the season with City.”
The Matildas have been criticized for a series of poor results since falling out of the race for the Paris Olympics earlier this year.
Australian football legend Andy Harper recently said the team was struggling to play without Fowler and star forward Sam Kerr, while interim coach Tom Sermanni warned the Matildas have not planned well enough for the future.
While Fowler is sorely missed by the national team, especially in Kerr’s absence, his fans have praised his strength for taking the time to heal.
‘A great example on and off the field. Walk the path and pause when necessary. Breathe. Picture perfect,” one posted.
“I love your photos, they are so healing and comforting,” another added.
Fowler enjoys some cuddles with Nathan Cleary’s dog, Prince, while on his time away from the national team.
Fowler will not play in the Matildas’ final friendly against Chinese Taipei on Saturday night.
‘It’s good to see you’re taking some time to recharge. Take care,” posted another.
Cleary is also spending time away from his sport, recovering from off-season shoulder surgery before returning to training after Christmas.
She’s been spending time with Fowler during her break and has posted plenty of photos of their love on social media.
The Matildas will play their fourth and final friendly match in Australia against Chinese Taipei on Saturday at 6:30pm AEDT.