Irishwoman Stephanie Roche, whose spectacular goal now sees her challenging James Rodriguez, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robin van Persie for the Goal of the Year award, has decided to quit her French club Albi, her coach told AFP on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old centrepiece of Ireland’s women’s attack joined the club in the French women’s league last summer where she earns 800 euros ($1,000) a month.
But after returning to Ireland for the Christmas and New Year break Roche has informed the team that she has “decided to leave Albi .. she doesn’t want to return to France,” coach David Welferinger said.
“She has benefited so much from her success, inevitably, she has had other offers from richer clubs. This is normal, we’re not going to hold her back, we’re studying the terms of breach of contract and wish her good luck even if we’re a little sad.”
As well as her salary, Roche had her accommodation provided by Albi, a town of 51,000 inhabitants in south western France.
The Roche legend has been growing since October 20, 2013 when Peamount United played Wexford Youths in the Dublin suburbs.
The two sides, coaches and substitutes were the main witnesses when a cross came from the right, Roche flicked the ball up with the right foot, then the left, turned and blasted the ball in from 25 metres.
The goal has been viewed on the internet millions of times. That could help her beat the big name World Cup stars to the Puskas Award when it is announced on January 12.
Previous winners of the prestigious honour include Ronaldo, Brazil star Neymar, and last year Paris Saint-Germain’s Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic.