Carli Lloyd had hinted that the end was near, and on Monday it became official: the legend of the US women’s national team retires.
Lloyd will play the remainder of the NWSL season with NJ / NY Gotham FC and participate in four USWNT friendlies to be announced before hanging up his boots and ending the day in one of the most decorated careers in US football history. His best achievements are well documented. She is a two-time Women’s World Cup champion, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a two-time FIFA Women’s Player of the Year and the author of a hat-trick in the 2015 World Cup final that won’t be forgotten soon. She is famous for her work ethic, the ability to sustain a seemingly endless source of motivation, and the mindset of keeping her at or near the top of the game as she approaches her 40s.
“When I started with the national team in 2005, my two main goals were to be the most complete footballer I could be and to help the team win the championships.” Lloyd said so in a note. “Every day I went out on the pitch, I played as if it were my last match. I never wanted to take anything for granted, especially knowing how difficult it is to get to the top, but even harder to stay on top for so long.
“Through all the goals, trophies, medals and championships I have won, what I am most proud of is that I have been able to remain myself without excuses,” she added. My journey has been tough, but I can honestly say that I have remained true to myself, my teammates, my coaches, the media and fans throughout my career and this is what I am most proud of. Everyone sees the moments of glory, but I appreciated the work behind the scenes and the adversity I had to overcome to get to those glorious moments. “
Lloyd turned 39 in July and became the oldest USWNT Olympian ever when she made the trip to Japan, where the United States won bronze. She scored two goals in the match for the bronze medal, with her second finish as the game’s winner in a 4-3 triumph over Australia. His 2008 and ’12 Olympics goals won gold for the United States, but his most famous goal came in the ’15 World Cup final against Japan, when he pitched from the center circle at BC Place in Vancouver to crown his hat-trick just over 15 minutes into the title match.
While his career can be boiled down to unforgettable moments, the entirety of it is just as impressive. His 312 appearances (a number that should reach 316) are the second in the history of international football, behind only the 354 of the great American Kristine Lilly. achieve), and his 25 World Cup appearances and 22 Olympic appearances are the best among USWNT players of all time.
“I would like to thank US Soccer for helping to provide opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime. I am forever grateful to have represented the crest and to be able to play for my country for the past 17 years, “said Lloyd.” I will continue to support and cheer this team and will continue to find ways to help grow the game and inspire the game. next generation.
“Ending my career knowing that my family could be by my side and sharing this latest chapter with me couldn’t be more special. We will all have a lot more time to spend together now, and especially with my husband, Brian, who has been my rock and my biggest support system all these years. We can’t wait to start this next chapter of our life without my daily training and play routine, but I will most likely need another outlet for my competitiveness! Maybe it will be golf? “
For what it’s worth, Lloyd had previously suggested that she’d like the idea of trying to become a kicker in the NFL, and two years ago said there had been inquiries from teams about the possibility.
Meanwhile, Lloyd has a season to complete and a few more American games to play. Despite all the glory he has enjoyed internationally, there are still heights to be reached at the club level. The only club trophy he has won is an FA Cup title with Manchester City. A league with Gotham FC, who currently sit third on the NWSL rankings, would mark a rare first in an otherwise complete career. Regardless, he will play over the next few months knowing that, for the first time, the finish line is truly in sight.
“Carli was the embodiment of the DNA of a USWNT player,” said USWNT general manager Kate Markgraf. “Her contributions have undoubtedly played an important role in this team’s successful years, inspiring both those who have played with her and those who will wear the jersey in the future. It is considered one of the best in the history of the program ”.
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