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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Winner of two World Cup titles</li><li>A centurion at international level</li><li>Plans to enjoy more family time</li></ul>

'It's not because Momma can't play' - USWNT legend Julie Ertz explains decision to retire at 31 ahead of final outing & cap 123

Despite still being at the top of her game, Ertz – who is married to NFL star Zach of the Arizona Cardinals - has decided that she wants to spend more time with her family. She <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/uswnt-legend-world-cup-winner-julie-ertz-retires/blt252d95a5ad8bc80b" target="_blank">bowed out at club level with NWSL side Angel City FC</a> in August, having suffered a surprise last-16 exit at the 2023 Women’s World Cup with the United States national team.

WHAT HAPPENED?

She hinted <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/last-game-122-cap-julie-ertz-uswnt-farewell-emotional-last-16-defeat-sweden-womens-world-cup/blt8e528be254cb92af" target="_blank">after a shock defeat to Sweden that she was done</a>, but has agreed to take in <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/uswnt-squad-julie-ertz-megan-rapinoe-south-africa-sophia-smith-injury-nwsl-jaedyn-shaw/bltc6fc6c1bfa26c12b" target="_blank">one more outing for the USWNT against South Africa</a> on Thursday. Ertz has said of calling it a day, with the next Olympic Games in Paris only 10 months away: “There's always the next opportunity, and your whole career as an athlete, you're like, ‘I don't want to regret anything’. And I think when I get to a point to be able to choose myself, when I could step away... I do feel I could step away and be like, 'It's not because Momma can't play. Momma can play. She has just adapted [her] priorities.' And I think that just comes with age and just I feel like I've been so blessed to have the career that I've had. I think time with my family is just irreplaceable, especially with just where [son] Madden is and his age.”

WHAT THEY SAID

Ertz savoured World Cup glory with the U.S. in 2015 when operating as a centre-half, before then moving up into a midfield holding role to help <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/uswnt-netherlands-world-cup-2019-line-up/blt5e19d408e28ee93a" target="_blank">defend that crown four years later</a>. She has been a model of consistency for the States and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/julie-ertz-on-uswnt-return-motherhood-her-club-future-and-women-world-cup-hopes/bltf02fb25a0cf78031" target="_blank">returned to action in 2023 just eight months after giving birth to son Madden</a>.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Ertz was unable to complete a hat-trick of World Cup wins in Australia and New Zealand and added on what needs to happen in order for <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/uswnt-line-up-2027-womens-world-cup/bltb6caa54fd4632857" target="_blank">the USWNT to restore global dominance</a>: “It's really about how you learn from this. And I know that there was obviously plenty [of] first-timers at the World Cup, and I'm excited to see their comeback. The way to get back on top is you've got to win. So that's a bunch of things. I feel like it's so obvious. I could sit here and be like, well, this and that. At the end of the day, you have to score goals, you have to get them back in the net and you can't make excuses.”

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

'It's not because Momma can't play' - USWNT legend Julie Ertz explains decision to retire at 31 ahead of final outing & cap 123 | Goal.com

Julie Ertz has explained her decision to retire at the age of 31, with the USWNT legend preparing to earn her 123rd and final international cap.

&apos;It&apos;s not because Momma can&apos;t play&apos; - USWNT legend Julie Ertz explains decision to retire at 31 ahead of final outing &amp; cap 123