Abby Wambach, U.S. Women’s Soccer Icon, Announces Retirement At End Of 2015

Abby Wambach’s goal-scoring ways will come to an end after this year.

Wambach announced Tuesday in a statement on the U.S. Soccer Federation’s website that she’ll retire from professional soccer at the end of 2015. Wambach will walk away from the sport as the all-time leading goal scorer in international soccer history.

“After much deliberation and talking with my friends, family, teammates and our coaching staff, I’ve decided to finally bring my soccer career to an end,” Wambach said, according to U.S. Soccer. “While we still have more work to do for women’s soccer, after bringing the World Cup back to the United States this summer, I’m feeling extremely optimistic about the future of our sport. It’s been an amazing, wonderful ride, and I can’t wait to see what the next chapter of my life brings.”

Wambach, 35, was part of the U.S. women’s national team that won the title at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada last summer. She also helped Team USA win gold medals at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece, and at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Wambach hinted in the days leading up to the July 5 World Cup final that she might end her career after 15 years as a professional. Tuesday’s confirmation begins what is bound to be a two-month farewell tour.

Wambach will remain with Team USA for the last four games of its “Victory Tour.” She’ll bow out after the Dec. 16 game against China in New Orleans.

Wambach’s teammates now bear the responsibility of qualifying for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero, defending the World Cup crown and carrying her on-field legacy into the distant future.

Wambach to sit out 2015 NWSL season >>

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