Alex Morgan: American soccer legend says goodbye after playing the final minutes of his remarkable career

Alex Morgan: American soccer legend says goodbye after playing the final minutes of his remarkable career



CNN

American soccer star Alex Morgan bid an emotional farewell to her professional career on Sunday, playing her final minutes in the San Diego Wave’s 4-1 loss to North Carolina Courage.

The 35-year-old, who announced her retirement from the sport last week, was substituted in the 13th minute – the number she wore for most of her career – to a standing ovation from everyone at Snapdragon Stadium in Southern California.

An emotional Morgan took off her boots in the middle of the field and then walked off the field in tears.

Morgan signs autographs after her last match.

After the final whistle, she returned to the field to address the thousands of fans who had stayed.

“I want to thank my teammates, who challenged me every day and made me better. I want to thank my family, who supported me tirelessly and sacrificed so much for me,” she said in her farewell speech.

“There have been so many incredible moments in my career, but this one, this last moment that I share with you on the pitch, I will cherish forever. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

The prolific striker had a chance to finish with style earlier in the match, but her penalty in the 10th minute was saved by the keeper.

Morgan saw her penalty saved in the 10th minute of the match.

Morgan announced her retirement last week with an emotional four-minute video on social media. She also revealed that she was pregnant with her second child during the video.

Morgan’s daughter Charlie accompanied her as she walked onto the field for the final time and carried a bouquet of flowers onto the field afterward.

The legendary forward is retiring after winning two World Cup titles with the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) and a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics.

The striker also scored 123 goals for her country, which places her fifth on the list of all-time greatest US national team players.