The 38-year-old midfielder, who ended her Wales career as both the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer (48) and most-capped player (166), believes the foundations are strong enough for Wales to continue thriving without her.
“I knew that it was the right time to walk away,” she said.
“When you look at where we’re at now as a squad then it’s time for the new group to take Wales forward.
“There was a big temptation to stay on, but in the end, I just didn’t think that was the smart or right thing to do.
Fishlock will play her final match for Wales in a friendly against Australia at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday October 25.
“What also makes this decision a lot easier is the group and the players that we have and the manager that we have,” she added.
“When you look at what we’ve been able to create and the players that we have now, I know we’re in good hands.
“They’re more than capable of creating their own memories and their own dreams now.”
READ MORE: End of the Jess Fishlock Era Will See Wales Turn to Nine Uncapped Players
Fishlock confirmed that she reached her decision after Wales’ historic summer at the European Championship — their first appearance at a major women’s tournament — where she scored Wales’ first-ever goal on the big stage.
The strike, which came in a 1–1 draw against France, also made her the oldest goalscorer in the tournament’s history.
“I made the decision after the Euros,” added the Seattle Reign player who intends to play another season in the USA.
“It wasn’t a decision that I made lightly, and it took me a couple months to really figure out what I wanted to do.
“I had a lot of conversations with my family and my partner and came to the decision that this was the right time to say goodbye.”
Fishlock made her senior debut against Switzerland in 2006 and has since witnessed the dramatic transformation of women’s football in Wales.
“It’s night and day and I think everybody knows that,” she explained.
“But that was the point of it, right? That was the point of my journey, to make sure that we would be in a better place by the time I left. I’ve loved my journey, and I do believe that was my purpose.”
READ MORE: In Praise of Jess Fishlock . . . Wales’ Giver of Goals and Provider of Respect
She added that the memories from the Euros — and especially the support of the fans — will stay with her forever.
“There’s been so many highlights throughout my career because there’s been so much change, but I think to be able to leave now and remember the fans in Switzerland will forever be my highlight.
“I always wanted to be able to play and see a red wall cheering us on, even if we were losing.
“In Switzerland I expected a lot, but I did not expect that, so that will stay with me forever.”
Although she has retired from international football, Fishlock is not ready to step away from the game entirely.
She plans to play one more season with Reign star in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) before considering full retirement.
“I’m hoping to carry on for one more year,” Fishlock added.
“We’re in the process of going through what that looks like right now.
“I don’t intend to retire fully, just from international (football) right now.”
Fishlock, who has been with the Reign since 2013 and has played more than 200 matches for the club, remains an integral figure in the NWSL.
She has scored six goals and registered two assists this season, helping her side secure a play-off spot with a game to spare.
Having spent nearly two decades balancing a globe-trotting club career with her international duties, Fishlock admits the moment her Wales journey truly sinks in will come after her final match — a farewell fixture against Australia in Cardiff.
“It probably won’t sink in until afterwards,” she added.
“I’m just on camp now and I’ll train like I always train, get the game plan and find out what my role is and play the game on the weekend.
“When I get into football mode, I just stay in there really. It probably won’t hit me until I leave camp and never go back, and I’m sure that will be emotional.”
Still, Fishlock is content with her choice
“There was a big temptation to stay on for the World Cup in 2027, but in the end I didn’t think that was the smart or the right thing to do for myself or for Wales.”
