Emma Checker has revealed the reasons behind her shock decision to leave hometown club Adelaide United ahead of the Westfield W-League 2019/20 Season.

Checker has captained the Reds for the last two seasons following her return to the club in 017.

The 23-year-old, who started her career in Adelaide in 2011, lives in Melbourne and said the main reason for not returning to the club was due to work-related commitments.

“It was a very difficult decision and it definitely wasn’t an over night one,” Checker told Adelaide United's official website.

“It was something I went back and forth with and sat on for a little while, and obviously decisions like that come with a number of pros and cons that work both ways.

“I think for me it was about looking at the big picture involving every part of my life in the decision that I made.



“And I guess that was one big part of it, making sure the decision I came to was something that was supportive of everything I was trying to achieve in football and in life.

“I feel like I’m in a position now to challenge myself in football and challenge myself in life and that’s something that’s really important to me moving forward.”

Checker sits fourth on the Reds’ all-time appearances list with 41 games and admitted she has a number of unforgettable moments during her time at the club.

“It’s hard to pinpoint one moment because I was fortunate enough to have a lot of special times and a lot of really proud moments being a part of the club,” said Checker, who has three Westfield Matildas caps.

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“It was such an amazing club to be involved with, it’s my home club. The staff were amazing and the girls were amazing.

“It was something I’m really proud of and wearing my home kit is something I will always hold close to me.

“And being able to lead such a great group of girls as captain was something as well that was a big life lesson for me and again a really proud moment.”