Former Man City Women's forward Carli Lloyd announces retirement
The forward claimed the FA Cup during her time at Manchester City Women
Former Manchester City Women's player Carli Lloyd will retire at the end of the season, US Soccer announced on Monday.
Regarded as one of the greatest ever women’s football players, the 39-year-old won two Fifa Women's World Cups and two Olympic gold medals with USA, scoring 128 international goals in 312 caps.
Lloyd played for City briefly during February and June 2017, during which time she scored at Wembley as the Blues won the FA Cup and helped the side reach the semi-finals of the Uefa Women's Champions League.
She scored three goals in 11 appearances for the club while on loan from NWSL outfit Houston Dash, including a crucial strike at the home of European heavyweights Lyon.
READ MORE: How Man City Women's new signing is inspiring the next generation 4,500 miles away with a little help from Raheem Sterling and Aston VillaREAD MORE: Remembering Sergio Aguero's electric Man City debut 10 years on“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,” she said.
“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.
“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?
“Through all the goals, the trophies, the medals and the championships won, what I am most proud of is that I’ve been able to stay unapologetically me.
"My journey has been hard, but I can honestly say I’ve stayed true to myself, to my teammates, my coaches, the media and the fans throughout my entire career and that is what I am most proud of.
"Everyone sees the moments of glory, but I have cherished the work behind the scenes and the adversity that I’ve had to overcome to get to those glorious moments.”
Lloyd will play out the rest of the 2021 campaign with NY/NJ Gotham before ending her 12-year professional career.
READ MORE: Manchester United and Man City Women fixtures confirmed for Sky Sports and BBC TV coverageREAD MORE: Portsmouth boss makes surprise claim about Man City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu following debut