USWNT's Julie Ertz announces retirement from soccer – as it happened 

United States Women's National Team (USWNT) star Julie Ertz has decided to step away from professional soccer.

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"With immense emotion and processing, I have decided it is time to retire," Ertz said in a social media post Thursday.

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“I have had the privilege of meeting and training with the best and most inspiring women,” she said.

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I have experienced different cultures while traveling around the world to compete at the highest level."

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Ertz is a two-time Women's World Cup winner and played on the USWNT during this year's tournament.

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Ertz indicated he would end his international soccer career after the United States was eliminated by Sweden in the Round of 16.

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Ertz said "I gave everything I had to the game I love. With this I can leave with no regrets"

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Because while I have given everything I have to football, football has given me even more, and for that I will always be grateful."

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