Fishlock, who has previously held player-coach roles at Cardiff City Ladies and Melbourne Victory, joined Seattle for the inaugural NWSL season in 2013.
Reign finished eighth in this year’s regular season table to claim the final play-off berth, and they pushed number one seed Gotham close in a game during which Fishlock left the field in the 74th minute.
“Two years ago I was just ‘I can’t work with these kids’, as in I’m too old for it, but they have given me just so much joy,” added Fishlock.
“And obviously the older ones, we’ve just had to rely on each other so much these last couple of years and it’s created deeper relationships within what we’ve already been doing, and because of that I’ve seen so much growth on and off the field from this team.
“So even today I’m not upset that I’ll never play football again – I’m ok with that, I’ve played enough – but I am devastated that I will not get to spend more time with this group because they will win.”
Reign defender Sofia Huerta said it had been a privelege to play with Fishlock, who she described as the best player she had ever seen.
“She came into this league and it was so lucky to have her,” said Huerta. “She put this league on the map.
“Playing with Jess has been my greatest honour. I’ve seen her be the best professional, such a good player, but the best thing about Jess is she’s just such a good person.”
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