Football superstar Alex Morgan announces retirement and she’s pregnant. Watch her video

Football icon Alex Morgan has officially announced his retirement from the sport.

Morgan’s final professional game will be at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego on September 8, when his team, the San Diego Wave, takes on the North Carolina Courage.

“I’m going to cut to the chase. I’m retiring and I have so much clarity on that decision and I’m so happy to finally be able to tell you,” Morgan, 35, said in a video she posted to social media on Sept. 5. “It’s been a long time coming and it’s not been an easy decision. But going into 2024, I felt in my heart and soul that this was the last season I would ever play football.”

As part of her announcement, Morgan also revealed that she is pregnant with her second child. The athlete shares 4-year-old daughter Charlie with her husband and soccer star, Servando Carrasco.

“This is also not the retirement video I was expecting because Charlie is going to be a big sister,” she says, taking a deep breath. “I’m pregnant, and even though it’s unexpected, we’re so happy. Family means everything to me.”

Reflecting on her career, Morgan recalls a sweet interaction she had with Charlie that made her feel sentimental.

“Charlie came to me the other day and said that when she grew up she wanted to be a footballer. And I became incredibly proud of that, not because I want her to be a footballer when she grows up, but because there is a path that even a 4-year-old can see now,” she said. “We are changing lives and the impact we are having on the next generation is irreversible. And I am proud to have been a part of making that happen, to have moved the game forward and left it in a state that I am so happy and proud of.”

In the comments section, many athletes expressed their support for Morgan.

WNBA star Caitlin Clark wrote: “Legend. Congrats!!” with a goat and heart emoji.

Simone Biles used the same emoji, commenting: “Congratulations on an incredible career. Thank you for elevating women’s sports!!”

Another Olympian, skier Mikaela Shiffrin, echoed that thought: “What a legacy you leave…you are an inspiration to so many, including me!”

Soccer players Rose Lavelle, Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson all expressed their love for Morgan, as did Abby Dahlkemper, who wrote: “Legend Al. There will be no other like you. I love you and I’m so proud to have been able to share the field with you.”

Morgan also made a statement about his retirement to USSoccer.com.

She said: “I grew up in this team, it was about so much more than football. It was about the friendship, the unwavering respect and support for each other, the relentless drive to invest in women’s sport globally and the key moments of success on and off the pitch.

“I am incredibly honored to have worn the crest for over 15 years. I have learned so much about myself during that time and a lot of that is thanks to my teammates and our fans,” she continued. “I am incredibly proud of where this team is headed and will always be a USWNT fan. My desire to succeed has always driven me, but what I have gotten in return is more than I could have asked for or hoped for.”

Morgan has been playing professional football for 15 years. During that time, she has quickly become known as one of the greatest strikers of all time.

In 2012, Morgan won an Olympic gold medal and is also a two-time World Cup champion.

In June, Morgan was not selected for the U.S. women’s soccer team for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. At the time, she expressed her disappointment, writing in an Instagram post: “This tournament will always be near and dear to my heart and I am extremely proud every time I wear the badge. In less than a month, I look forward to supporting this team and cheering them on alongside the rest of our country.”

This article was originally published on TODAY.com