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Christine Sinclair Announces Retirement from International Football

After leading Canada to gold at the Tokyo Olympics in August 2021, captain came to a realization. “After Tokyo, deep down inside, I knew I didn’t want to play in Paris,” she said, referencing the 2024 Olympics. “The way the Tokyo Olympics ended, you can’t beat it.” Sinclair wanted to give it one more shot for the World Cup, just because she believed they could be successful there. However, Canada’s journey in the summer’s soccer showcase was cut short.

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Canada came home early from Australia this summer, failing to make the knockout round in Sinclair’s sixth trip to the World Cup. It was not the ending she wanted. But Sinclair’s journey with the Canadian national team wasn’t over just yet. She helped Canada qualify for the Paris Olympics last month and now plans to retire from international football at the end of the year.

“I can sit here and know that I’ve literally done everything I can and given all of me to this national team since I was 16 years old,” she told The Canadian Press. Sinclair expressed no regrets and believes she has done everything she possibly could. She is confident that the team is in good hands moving forward. While retiring from international play, Sinclair plans to continue playing professionally for one more season with NWSL Portland Thorns next year.

Sinclair will have four more games with the Canadian team, including two friendlies against Brazil later this month, to say goodbye on home soil. She expressed excitement at the opportunity to play more games at home, as it has been a rare occurrence throughout her career.

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For Sinclair, the decision to retire is coming at the right time. She is looking forward to spending time with her family and focusing on other interests. While she remains excited to continue playing professionally for Portland, she acknowledges that it is time for a new chapter in her life.

Throughout her career, Sinclair has been the epitome of a world-class talent with humble values. She has been the face of Canadian soccer and made scoring goals look effortless. Her simplicity and consistency have made her one of the greatest strikers in the game.

Despite her retirement from playing, Sinclair expressed an interest in getting into coaching. However, she prefers to be a unit-specific coach rather than a head coach. She believes she will have numerous opportunities and options once she fully retires.

Sinclair has faced challenges throughout her career, including a lengthy labor dispute between the team and its governing body. She is hopeful for positive changes in the pipeline for youth players and a professional league.

While Sinclair’s presence on the field will be missed, she believes that the competition in women’s soccer is growing stronger. She remains confident in the talented players who will carry the torch for Canada in the future.

Sinclair leaves behind an incredible legacy in Canadian soccer. She broke Abby Wambach’s world-record total of 184 goals in 2020 and has represented Canada in four Olympics. Her leadership and resilience have inspired her teammates and fans alike.

As she embarks on the next chapter of her life, Sinclair plans to cherish the memories and continue supporting the growth of soccer in Canada. Her impact on the game will always be remembered.

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– Christine Sinclair Announces Retirement from International Football – NNN – NNN – Latest News Updates Today

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