<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>328359</docID> <postdate>2024-09-04 13:58:05</postdate> <headline>Matilda Heyman shuns overseas offers, stays at Canberra</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-328360" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240228001909733133-original-resized.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" /></p> <caption>Veteran Matildas striker Michelle Heyman has recommitted to another ALW season with Canberra United. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Anna Harrington</strong></span></p> <p><strong>Matildas striker and A-League Women record goalscorer Michelle Heyman has chosen to remain at Canberra United after being on the verge of an overseas move.</strong></p> <p>Reigning golden boot winner Heyman, 36, was widely expected to move abroad after her late-career resurgence, amid tensions with the ALW battlers, with links to clubs in England, the US and Europe.</p> <p>The rumour mill shot into overdrive when West Ham United – home of her close friend and Matildas teammate Katrina Gorry – accidentally published marketing images of Heyman in their kit.</p> <p>But talks broke down and the move ultimately fell through.</p> <p>On Wednesday, Canberra confirmed Heyman, who has scored 111 goals in 181 ALW appearances, had signed on for the upcoming season.</p> <p>Heyman could become the first player to reach 200 ALW appearances next season.</p> <p>"I am excited to be continuing my football journey with Canberra United, a club that is incredibly close to my heart," Heyman said in a statement.</p> <p>"I am feeling incredibly good, physically and mentally, and am ready to hit the ground running in the new season."</p> <p>Heyman was among the most vocal critics of Canberra's instability last season.</p> <p>United, currently run by Canberra Football, were only able to continue into 2024-25 after the ACT government tipped in $200,000 to support the depleted outfit.</p> <p>Long-term, expectations are the ALW team will be taken over when a buyer is locked in for a new A-League Men licence in the capital.</p> <p>Heyman's re-signing is a massive boost for struggling Canberra, who have already lost the likes of Nicki Flannery (Melbourne Victory) and Chloe Lincoln (Western United) to other clubs.</p> <p>"We are thrilled that Michelle has elected to continue her career in green with us here at Canberra United," coach Antoni Jagarinec said.</p> <p>"Michelle is unarguably one of the most famous footballers around at the moment, a leading light for the Matildas and a goalscorer of some repute.</p> <p>"As our leading scorer last season, she was an inspirational figure to our squad, both on and off the pitch, and I have no doubt she will continue to be so."</p> <p>https://citynews.com.au/2024/canberra-player-earns-shock-matildas-recall/</p> </body>