US footballer Megan Rapinoe to retire at end of NWSL season
US footballer Megan Rapione has announced she will retire at the end of the season, with this summer’s World Cup being her last.
Rapinoe is one of the most successful footballers of her generation and has made an extraordinary impact on developing the women’s game.
“I did want to do it my own way,” the 38-year-old said.
“I feel very grateful that I’m here and that I have the trust of this team and that my body has held up this long.”
Rapinoe is a two-time World Cup winner, and this summer’s competition will see her attempt to close out her international career with a third straight world cup win for the USA.
She has said she will retire at the end of her club side OL Reign’s NWSL campaign, with the regular season ending in October and the play-off final on 11 November.
She made the announcement ahead of USA’s friendly against Wales on Sunday.
“It is with a really deep sense of peace and gratitude and excitement that I want to share with you guys that this will be my last season, my last World Cup and my last NWSL season,” she said.
“I could have never imagined where this beautiful game would have taken me.
“I feel so honoured to have represented this country and this federation for so many years, it’s truly been the greatest thing that I’ve ever done and is something I’m so grateful for.”
She has been capped 199 times and scored 63 goals for USA since making her debut in a friendly against Republic of Ireland in 2006.
She also won an Olympic gold medal at London 2012.