US women's football veteran Lloyd set to retire at end of 2021

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Carli Lloyd, one of the leading lights in US women's football, will retire from the game at the end of 2021.

"A legendary career comes to a close. Carli Lloyd has announced her retirement," US Soccer WNT said on Twitter on Monday.

“The soon-to-be announced four #USWNT (US women's national soccer team) fall friendlies will be her final matches in a U.S. uniform, closing out a remarkable career. She will finish the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) season with Gotham FC.”

Midfielder-forward Lloyd, 39, will appear for the last time for the US in October.

She will complete the NWSL season with her club NJ/NY Gotham FC, ending in late October.

The US national team said it will have four fall friendly fixtures, two in September and two in October.

"I would like to thank US Soccer for helping to provide the opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime. I am forever grateful to have represented the crest and to be able to play for my country for the last 17 years," Lloyd said.

She added: "I will continue to support and cheer this team on and continue to find ways to help grow the game and inspire the next generation.”

Lloyd racked up 312 appearances for US since 2005.

She scored 128 career goals.

Lloyd is a two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion, in 2015 and 2019.

She is a four-time Olympian, having won two golds in Beijing 2008 and London 2012, as well as a bronze medal in Tokyo 2020.