U.S. women's national team legend Crystal Dunnsurprisingly announced her retirement from soccerlast month.
At age 33, Dunn was at a point in her career when many players still have several years left before hanging up their boots.
But in aninterview with FIFA's website, Dunn said she felt the time was right to call time on a decorated 12-year career — even with the chance to play at a third World Cup next summer in Brazil.
"Obviously a year out from a World Cup in a sense, [the decision] took people by surprise but it felt like a really good time," she said. "I've always been highly valuing family, friends, closeness with people who have really supported me in my career. I think basically there was a moment where I couldn't give to the sport in the way that I wanted to, the way I know that is needed to remain at the highest level.
"While it was a difficult decision, I am happy that it was my decision and I was able to walk away when I felt like I had maybe a little bit more to give, but at a time when I have done enough."
For Dunn, soccer had become less of a priority than spending time with her husband Pierre Soubrier and 3-year-old son Marcel.
"I have missed so many moments in my child's life already and I felt like the moment was perfect," the New York native said. "I spoke to a lot of my friends who are retired and they always say, 'No moment is really perfect when you have dedicated so much of your time and life to a sport.'
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"But this was the most perfect time with so many soccer moments on the horizon. Now I get to be a fan of this sport that I've given so much to."
Even with a career that didn't last as long as other USWNT greats, Dunn put together a resume that ranks her among the very best to wear a national team jersey.
Dunn earned 160 caps, scored 25 goals and was integral to the 2019 World Cup-winning side as well as the team that brought home a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics.
Despite playing as an attacker for most of her club career, Dunn excelled at the unfamiliar position of left back for the majority of her USWNT career.
At the club level, Dunn won the NWSL Golden Boot and NWSL MVP honors in 2015 with the Washington Spirit, who selected her first overall in the previous year's draft.
The New York native went on to win three NWSL titles, two with the North Carolina Courage (2018, 2019) and one with the Portland Thorns (2022).
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:USWNT legend Crystal Dunn explains surprise retirement decision
