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Alex Morgan says legacy is ‘gaining respect for women’s football’


Morgan broke into the USA squad when she was 19 and went on to achieve the game’s biggest prizes, breaking records and winning several individual accolades.

She was left out of the USA squad for the Olympic Games this summer by new manager Emma Hayes but does not regret her decision to play another year.

“As much as I wanted to be [at the Olympics] this year, I felt we were in good hands,” said Morgan.

“The future of women’s soccer is in such an amazing place so I feel I have accomplished everything I came here to do.

“I’m so proud of the USA team going to France and winning gold. That to me is a proud moment because I see so many of these younger players in the team who have just been able to focus on themselves and have the pathway and the resources to get better. That’s what I fought for.”

Her four-year-old daughter Charlie has grown up around some of the USA’s most successful female athletes.

And Morgan says the influence that will have on Charlie will be huge – much like the role her sisters played in her own career development.

“I started playing soccer when I was five or so. Before that I went to my sister’s soccer games. I used to hold the ball on the sidelines,” said Morgan.

“It was a big reason [as to] why I wanted to grow my family because I wanted Charlie to have siblings. My sisters were an inspiration to me.

“When I look back, I see someone who was so competitive and fearless [when I started]. I see that in my daughter now and I’m so proud to have fostered that in the way my mum did for us growing up.

“I’m so happy to see Charlie grow up around a group of women who have found purpose and are so willing to share that with her. Not a lot of girls get that at that age.”

Morgan said she does not intend to go into coaching but hopes to make the most of her final match this Sunday, albeit with limited minutes.

“It’s not just a celebration of me. It’s a celebration of everyone who has done something to help me be here,” she added.

“My family, so many friends who reached out, so many people who wanted to watch my games – I just want to take in every moment.”

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