Carli Lloyd, a United States women's team player, said that she was satisfied knowing she gave her all before Tuesday night's final game for the USWNT.
After a distinguished career that included two World Cup titles, and a pair Olympic gold medals, Lloyd is now retiring.
Lloyd, who is loved by her teammates and fans for her determination, will be saying goodbye to the U.S. against South Korea in St. Paul (Minnesota).
"There were moments when my focus was too intense but I gave everything I had. She said that she believes that what makes this so special is that you can walk away knowing that you gave it everything that I had.
"I believe that this next phase of my life will be no different. I will find something I am passionate about and work hard to make it a reality. She said that she hopes to have a family one day with her husband.
It'll be different. Although I won't be under the pressure to compete in World Cups or Olympics, I will. Now, I'll shift gears and do something else.
Carl Lloyd will make one final competitive appearance before retiring from the USWNT. Omar Vega/Getty Images
After playing in 315 career matches, Lloyd is ranked second in the world in terms of most international appearances. She is the third-most successful female player in American history, scoring 134 goals.
Lloyd had hinted for over a year that her career was coming to an end before the Tokyo Olympics. This summer, the United States won bronze. Lloyd scored two goals in a 4-3 win over Australia.
She was the first American player to score in four Olympics. Her total of 10 goals set a new U.S. record.
She is a soccer icon all over the world. I have said it before: If Carli Lloyd were a male soccer player in Europe we would have statues of her all across the country. Streets would be named after her, as well as complexes and stadiums. Vlatko andonovski, U.S. coach, said that she was so big.
Lloyd gave her No. 10 jersey to Lindsey Horan following the team's draw against South Korea last week in Kansas City, Kansas. Lindsey Horan will be wearing the number in 2022. Lindsey Horan is her teammate. Horan was recognized before the game as she made her 100th appearance on the team.
Horan, who was close to tears, said that it was "probably one of my most special moments in all of my career." "I believe Carli Lloyd is one of the most outstanding women's national team players to have ever come through the system. She's been a role model for my life and I have learned so much from her over the years.
Lloyd was a 2005 senior national team player. She is most famous for her hat-trick that won the United States 5-2 victory over Japan at the 2015 World Cup final. Her third goal was a stunning strike from midfield.
Lloyd won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics with a 1-0 overtime win over Brazil. She scored both goals against Japan in the gold-medal match at Wembley Stadium four years later and became the first player to score consecutive Olympic winning goals.
Lloyd, a New Jersey native, has played professionally for 12 years. She was a part of the now-defunct Women's Professional Soccer League and National Women's Soccer League. She was briefly a player for Manchester United.
She said that she tried to treat each game as though it was her last. On Tuesday, she stated that she will allow herself to be present in the moment.
"I'm going let my emotions flow as they flow. I believe I've been iced out Carli for so many years, and people have never seen the other side of me. She said, "But I'm going to enjoy it."
"I believe it's going be really special for one final time to give all I have for this country, the team, and the fans. It's going to be a great experience.
Lloyd stated that she would attempt to make the roster for Tokyo Games after the United States' win at the 2019 World Cup title. However, it would be her last major tournament as a member of the national team. Lloyd had to have a knee operation after the Olympics were delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. She then worked under a new trainer.
She used the time to reconnect with her family from which she had been separated for much of her professional career. Her family will cheer her on Tuesday.
She said, "Having them there being able to close my career is going be the best thing that has ever happened to me,". "Just knowing that I can leave at peace and content is truly, really special."
