Heath announces retirement after long absence and injuries

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Sep 21, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; United States midfielder Tobin Heath (7) reacts after an international friendly soccer match against Paraguay at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo

REUTERS

NEW YORK - United States two-time World Cup winner Tobin Heath announced her retirement on Thursday, after years away from the sport due to injury, disappointing her legions of fans who hoped she might one day retake the field.

Famed for her cool demeanour and extraordinary intelligence on the pitch, Heath picked up two Olympic golds and won the NWSL championship twice with the Portland Thorns.

I think I had a few more mountains I wanted to climb with football, even though Im really grateful for the career that I had, the 37-year-old forward said on her RE-CAP Show podcast.

I get the question all the time So, are you coming back? and kind of like, well, the writings on the wall.

Heath last played for OL Reign and underwent season-ending knee surgery in September 2022 after suffering an injury.

One of the most decorated figures in the wildly successful U.S. Soccer programme, she was named U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year in 2016 and earned 181 caps with the national team in her career.

I never played to be famous or for people to care about me, said Heath. I just played because I loved it. REUTERS