Julie Ertz explains why it’s time to hang up the boots

Prior to Thursday’s game against South Africa, USWNT’s Julie Ertz explained the reasons that led her to make the decision to retire.

The United States Women’s National Team continues its preparation for the forthcoming friendlies as they face South Africa in a double-header in games that are set to serve as sendoffs as both Julie Ertz and Megan Rapinoe, USWNT legends, will say play for the USA for the last time after several years of success.

Prior to Thursday’s game at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Julie Ertz gave a press conference ahead of what will be her last appearance with the USWNT shirt.

Speaking to the media, Ertz explained her decision to retire from football citing that spending time with her son and family being the main reasons on why she decided it was time to say goodbye to the game.

“This sport requires sacrifices and I think time with my family is simply irreplaceable, especially considering where Madden (her son) is and how old he is,” explained the 31-year-old.

Ertz says she is grateful to close her career playing for the USWNT

Ertz also took the time to pay thanks to the interim coaching staff of the USWNT and US Soccer for giving her the opportunity to retire from soccer wearing the US shirt one last time and recognized that it will be a special day with “mixed feelings”.

“I am very grateful to have this last game to close this chapter and say goodbye. And I feel that if I had retired 5 years ago or retired in 10 years it would be the same feeling of a sad day when leaving the sport that you love so much and have known for your entire life,” she added.