One of the greatest soccer players in United States history is officially calling it a career.
Carli Lloyd, 39, announced her retirement on Monday. The United States women’s national team legend will play in four friendly matches moving forward. She will also finish out the season with Gotham FC.
“When I first started out with the National Team in 2005, my two main goals were to be the most complete soccer player I could be and to help the team win championships,” said Lloyd. “Every single day I stepped out onto the field, I played as if it was my last game. I never wanted to take anything for granted, especially knowing how hard it is to get to the top, but even harder to stay at the top for so long.”
She added:
“I would like to thank U.S. Soccer for helping to provide the 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 last 17 years. I will continue to support and cheer this team on and continue to find ways to help grow the game and inspire the next generation.
“To end my career knowing my family was able to be by my side and share this last chapter with me could not have been any 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 biggest support system for all these years. We are both looking forward to starting this next chapter of our lives without my everyday grind of training and playing, but I will most likely need to another outlet for my competitiveness! Perhaps that will be golf?”
A legendary career comes to a close 🇺🇸🐐 @CarliLloyd has announced her retirement. The soon-to-be announced four #USWNT fall friendlies will be her final matches in a U.S. uniform, closing out a remarkable career. She will finish the @NWSL season with @GothamFC.
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) August 16, 2021
The sports world has taken to social media to pay tribute to Lloyd.
One of the greatest to ever do it 🙌 @carlilloyd announces her retirement from professional soccer at the end of the NWSL season. pic.twitter.com/12dnbpczzW
— NJ/NY Gotham FC (@GothamFC) August 16, 2021
With @CarliLloyd announcing her retirement, here’s one of my favorite shot charts, from the 2015 WWC final: pic.twitter.com/IuDGqyw0ew
— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) August 16, 2021
Cheers to the amazing @CarliLloyd. We’ll have something special ready for the sendoff. 🐐 https://t.co/PdTyWcpxp9
— The American Outlaws (@AmericanOutlaws) August 16, 2021
NEW: 39-year-old @USWNT forward Carli Lloyd has announced her retirement from football.
Has over 300 caps for her national team and has represented six different clubs — including a 2017 loan spell with Manchester City. pic.twitter.com/sGfD7K2nff
— Adam Millington (@AdamGMillington) August 16, 2021
Among all her achievements, Carli Lloyd played a small but significant role in growing the women’s game in England when she joined Manchester City in 2017. She paved the way for other USWNT stars to move to England.
— Bob Williams (@WilliamsBob75) August 16, 2021
Carli Lloyd announces her retirement — one of the all-time greats 🐐
Her hat trick in the 2015 World Cup Final against Japan, including the goal from midfield, absolutely legendary 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/hc9lVYARmk https://t.co/7Oo6Z3gg2W
— Billy Heyen (@BillyHeyen) August 16, 2021
Congratulations to @CarliLloyd on an incredible career with the USWNT.
Someone who always left it all on the field. Looking forward to watching the final few matches of her career with both the USWNT and in NWSL. https://t.co/ZFKNYlp1kc
— Marisa Pilla (@Pilla_Talk) August 16, 2021
Congrats on a great career, Carli.
The post Sports World Reacts To The Carli Lloyd News appeared first on The Spun.
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