All Latest ES FanCast NASCAR Golf WNBA Tennis NFL College Basketball NBA Boxing Olympics UFC Swimming MLB Track and Field Gymnastics Soccer College Football

“Its Never Easy”- 373 Days After Retirement WNBA Legend Sue Bird Contemplates on ‘Supporting’ Fiance Megan Rapinoe

ByGaurav Krishnan

Sep 23, 2023 | 9:59 PM EDT

Link Copied!

USWNT legend Megan Rapinoe is almost on the brink of retirement. The American soccer icon has been ever-present for the USWNT playing in 3 World Cups and winning two of them in 2015 and 2019. The USWNT crashed out of this year’s 2023 FIFA World Cup much earlier than expected and Rapinoe’s missed penalty garnered a lot of criticism. However, in her recent comments, Rapinoe’s partner Sue Bird spoke about supporting her partner through the retirement process. This comes after Bird herself retired from the WNBA last season.

WNBA legend Sue Bird retired a little over a year ago. The former WNBA star holds a record four WNBA championships with Seattle Storm and is one of women’s basketball’s greatest-ever players. Her partner Rapinoe, meanwhile, also shares legendary status. Rapinoe has made 202 appearances for the USWNT scoring 63 goals and made 73 assists over the course of her career. Now, the couple, who have been together since 2017, are both facing retirement. Subsequently, Bird has spoken about their transition to life away from sports.

Article continues below this ad

Sue Bird discusses supporting Rapinoe during the retirement ‘adjustment’

Bird and Rapinoe have been engaged since 2020 and as per the former’s latest comments, they are preparing for “adjustments” and that retiring is “never easy.” Whilst in conversation with People, Bird said, “It’s not that we’re experiencing the exact same thing, but it’s very similar,” “There’s a lot of parallels. I think for me in this particular moment, I can just give my perspective, give my thoughts, share my experience, and let her take from that what makes sense.”

“Let her take from that what’s going to hopefully help her through. Because I think, no matter what, it doesn’t matter what career it is, if you’ve done something for as long as Megan’s been playing soccer, myself, basketball, it’s an adjustment. Even if you’re ready. She’s ready. Even if you’re ready, it’s never easy, so just supporting in that way.”

Both Bird and Rapinoe are surely a sports power couple, and it remains to be seen how the pair adjust to life after retirement. However, it’s certain that Rapinoe will be emotional in the final international game of her career.

Also read: How Many Goals, Assists & Appearances Has Megan Rapinoe Bagged For USWNT?

Article continues below this ad

Megan Rapinoe to play a last game against South Africa in Chicago

The USWNT legend, who is 38 now, made her debut for the USA in 2006 and it has been a long 17-year career laden with trophies, accolades, and achievements.

For Rapinoe, her final game for the USWNT will be a friendly against South Africa. The game is scheduled to take place at Chicago’s Soldier Field at 5:30 pm EDT, on September 24th. Furthermore, the turnout could be spectacular and it’s certain that Megan Rapinoe will go down in history as one of American soccer’s greatest players.

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY | NFL Star’s Wife Celebrates Soccer Greatest Lionel Messi’s Miami Transfer With Unbridled Joy