Matildas star Cortnee Vine opens up about why she had to take a break from the sport, the weirdest thing about her new fame – and why she’ll understand if she’s snubbed for the Olympics

EXCLUSIVE 

Matildas star Cortnee Vine has revealed why she took a recent break from football – and the strangest aspect of her fame following the Women’s World Cup last year on home soil.

In a wide-ranging interview with Daily Mail Australia, the electrifying winger also said if she is overlooked for the Paris Olympics in July, she won’t resent coach Tony Gustavsson.

‘Life has definitely changed, I feel people staring sometimes…there are a lot of eyes on me,’ the 26-year-old brand ambassador for luggage brand Strand said.

‘It is the little things…I used to walk up to my local coffee shop in my PJ’s and place an order. I don’t do that anymore.

‘The same goes at the supermarket.. people sometimes do a double take to see if its me, and then often ask for a photo.

The marquee of the A-League Women’s competition admitted her life hasn’t been the same post the World Cup (pictured, in her Sydney FC kit)

‘I’m becoming used to the attention, it is new, but flattering.’

Vine – who is preparing for Sydney FC’s A-League Women’s Grand Final this Saturday against Melbourne City at AAMI Park – confirmed why she didn’t feature in Australia’s Olympic qualifiers in February.

‘At the time I felt I needed a life reset,’ she said.

‘I will be available for Paris, but if Tony goes in a different direction, I will have no problems with that.

‘I had to put myself first.’

The Victorian born star made her W-League debut with Brisbane Roar as a teenager – but it was her next move to Newcastle where she felt a sense of belonging as a professional athlete.

‘I loved it, it really was one of the best times of my life,’ Vine said when reflecting on her stint at the Jets between 2017 and 2019.

‘I have been fortunate to enjoy a fair bit of success in recent years with Sydney, but I will always be grateful for the opportunities Newcastle provided.’

Vine was recently announced as a brand ambassador for iconic luggage brand Strand 

The winger was delighted to be aligned with Strand as she has ‘bought their travel bags for years’

Vine also caught the eye for the Matildas in their friendly win over Mexico on April 9

At 26, European football awaits for Vine – the question is when.

‘I get asked this all the time….the truth is I will go when I am ready,’ the Matildas penalty-shootout hero in the World Cup against France said. 

‘I love my life here, I am in no rush….I am still getting my head around seeing myself on billboards and the back of buses.

‘I would like to see the league [in Australia] more professional, but I understand it won’t happen overnight. 

‘At this point in time I don’t want to move my whole life overseas…[but] when the right opportunity presents itself, I’ll explore it.’