USWNT star Carli Lloyd has thrown her future in doubt following USA's back to back defense of the FIFA Women's World Cup. Aged 36, the veteran striker has indicated that this year's tournament might not be her last despite announcing that with hashtags on Instagram ahead of the final clash with Netherlands.
Lloyd played at her fourth World Cup in France for the USA but was mostly handed a substitute role despite finishing as the best player of the previous tournament held in Canada. Nevertheless, the forward contributed significantly to the campaign, scoring three goals in seven appearances of which only one was from a starting position.
In the 2-0 final win over Netherlands, the Sky Blue FC attacker replaced Tobin Heath in the 87th minute, an event which summarized her spell as a late-game substitute for the most part of this year's competition. And although she has consistently expressed her displeasure in having her role in the team reduced, she is not ready to call it quits.
Asked by Live Soccer TV if the 2019 FIFA World Cup will be her last, she responded:
"Maybe.
"But never say never, right? I don't know."
Endeared for her high-class work ethic and desire, she subsequently advised the next generation of players to put in the work towards achieving their dreams.
"You have to grind. You have to work hard and put your head down. It's obviously all worth it with the trophies and all that.
"But for me it was always about being the best I can be every single day and that is the most important thing.
"You have to go out and work extremely hard and not let anything break you."
