Megan Rapinoe has decided to retire from soccer. Her announcement comes after 4 years of contemplation, a topic she recently discussed with Glennon Doyle in her Podcast We can do hard things.

As the 2023 Women’s World Cup approaches, the two-time world champion announced her retirement from soccer. In the interview with Glennon Doyle, she shared her retirement thoughts and what it means to represent America. She also discussed individuality, her role in the upcoming World Cup, and more. People are curious about how her retirement will affect the tournament.

Rapinoe’s retirement decision marks a turning point in her career, as she leaves behind the stage that allowed her to represent America and its ideals.

Megan Rapinoe opens up about retirement decision

During her interview with Glennon Doyle, when asked about her retirement decision, Rapinoe shared, “I feel really good about it. I’m sure it hasn’t like, you know, totally sunk in because obviously still have this world cup and the rest of this NWSL season, but I’ve been thinking about this for like three or four years, but really seriously, for like a year and I think I’ve had like this beautiful experience of watching Sue go through everything right before my eyes and being able to process with her and just see her go through this journey. And also what it looks like when you retire…Wow, but I feel really like good about it.”

Also Read: “I Don’t Think It’s Fair”: After Soccer Star Megan Rapinoe’s Critical Admission, O.J. Simpson Gives His Two Cents on a Controversial Topic

“I think as you get older, you understand that, and so, you know where sometimes you’re commitment isn’t there or the things you just like know too much, and I feel like I’m ready to start a new chapter and to do other things like I’m really excited to be able to have time and space to gone vacation in the summer. I’m taking a summer vacation.” she added.

Rapinoe shared her conversation with Vlatko Andonovski, the national team’s coach, about her role in the World Cup. She acknowledges her physical limitations due to aging and the need for a change in her contributions. Despite a different role, she remains confident in her ability to make a meaningful impact on and off the field.

Rapinoe has a special role in her final World Cup

Rapinoe is not just focusing on her performance on the field anymore. She also wants to make a difference off the field for the team and take a backseat if needed to. While not all athletes would choose to do this. Rapinoe finds happiness and purpose in supporting her team in a different way. With her extensive experience, she wants to be a leader, bringing calmness and guidance to her teammates during important moments in the upcoming World Cup, especially when key players like Becky Sauerbrunn are absent.

Watch this story: Hours After Tom Brady’s Entrance, Not Patrick Mahomes or Gisele Bundchen, but Cheerful Ex-soccer Star Follows Future Hall of Famer’s Footstep