American professional soccer player Megan Rapinoe ended her tenure as a winger for the OL Reign of the National Women’s Soccer League and the United States Women’s National Soccer team after announcing her impending retirement.
The two-time Women’s World Cup winner, who made her USWNT debut in July 2006, has proudly represented her country and won more than 190 caps while becoming the first soccer player to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022.
Interestingly, apart from being a star athlete, he is known for his work on human rights issues, from LGBTQ+ rights to racial inequality and most importantly, to gender and pay equality.
President Joe Biden And His Vice President Thank Megan Rapinoe
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Since Rapinoe announced her intention to retire at the end of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, influential individuals from various fields have expressed their thanks and support for the athlete, including the President and Vice President of the United States. America.
Earlier on July 8, the professional soccer player announced her retirement at a press conference in San Jose, California, ahead of the US Women’s National Soccer Team’s match against Wales.
He stated, “This will be my last season, my last World Cup, and my last NWSL season. Obviously, there will be more to come further after hopefully we can do what we want to do.”
He continued, “I never imagined where this beautiful game would take me. I feel so honored to have been able to represent this country and this federation for so many years. It has truly been the greatest thing I have ever done.”
Following in her financial footsteps, retired WNBA player Sue Bird who also announced her retirement before her final season, Rapinoe jokingly added that it “felt weird” before she went on to credit her superiors for letting her go out on her own terms — something she described as “very rare for an athlete in any position.”
With a deep sense of peace & gratitude, I have decided this will be my last season playing this beautiful game. I could never have imagined how soccer would shape & change my life forever, but from the look on this little girl’s face, she knew all along. pic.twitter.com/XGZ1T9i7Wy
— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) July 8, 2023
The great athlete, who was named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year in 2019, also shared an official statement regarding his retirement from US Soccer. He stated,
“I’ve been able to have an amazing career, and the game has taken me all over the world and allowed me to meet so many great people. I feel incredibly grateful to have played as long as I have, to be as successful as we’ve been, and to have been part of a generation of players who undoubtedly leave the game better than they found it. To be able to play one last World Cup and one last NWSL season and go out on my own terms is really special.”
Rapinoe makes it her duty to express her gratitude to her family, her teammates, and especially her coach, who trained her to be exceptional. In his words, “I will forever cherish the friendship and support over the years in the game, and I am very excited for one last trip with the National Team and the Government.”
Go to him Twitter page to address his fans, he sent a farewell tweet along with posting a photo of his youth at an amusement park. He wrote,
“It is with deep peace and gratitude that I have decided this will be my last season playing this beautiful game. I could never have imagined how soccer would shape & change my life forever, but by the look on this little girl’s face, she knew all along.”
Megan Rapinoe announced this is her last World Cup, and will be her last season in #nwsl #uswnt pic.twitter.com/NvCGzxkWIt
— Meg Linehan (@itsmeglinehan) July 8, 2023
Immediately, VP Kamala Harris commented on his tweet, writing, “A champion on and off the field. You have changed the game of football, been an example to millions, and fought tirelessly for equality. Congratulations on a brilliant career – good luck in the World Cup”!
Harris then uploaded a photo of the couple posing for the cameras at the White House while wearing pantsuits. Following in line was President Joe Biden, who praised the soccer star, writing, “World Cup and Olympic Champions. Medal of Freedom recipient. A staunch advocate for equal pay for women and for the dignity and respect of all. Congratulations on an amazing career.
He concluded, adding, Can’t wait to see how you continue to help people believe in themselves and the possibilities of our country.
Attached to his tweet was a heartwarming image of the two exchanging friendly words and shaking hands while smiling enthusiastically at each other. Serena William’s husband, Alexis Ohanian, also declared his support, writing, “You have so much to be proud of”!
The California Native Is Also Celebrated On Instagram
While fans expressed their admiration for Rapinoe on Bird’s app, others took to Instagram to continue the show of admiration.
It should be noted that Rapinoe’s legacy in women’s sports will be cherished forever as she was described by US Soccer as “one of the most influential figures in the history of soccer in the United States and the global women’s game. “
Conveying their love to the athlete, his famous friends, including his partner Sue Bird honored him with empowering words. Bird wrote, “Congratulations, honey!! That little girl will go on to do a lot of good in this world (but she sure kills it on the field ?). I love you ❤.”
Fellow soccer player Abby Wambach wrote, “Your courage and the way you show up all these years continues to amaze me Pinoe! You are a LEGEND. Go ahead and get yourself another World Cup, and then give yourself some much-deserved rest and recovery ❤??.”
American actress and activist Sophia Bush wrote, “Pinoe!! you are a legend What you have done for this game… It is immeasurable. Crazy to think this is just the beginning bb. Because what’s next!? The world is not readyyyyyyy ???”
Meanwhile, comedian and actress Wanda Sykes added, “Legend! Thank you. World Cup, let’s go!”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
