Legendary Striker Christine Sinclair Shocks Soccer World with International Retirement Announcement

Christine Sinclair, a highly accomplished soccer player, has revealed her decision to retire from international play at the end of this year. In a poignant letter published in The Globe and Mail, addressed to her younger self at the age of 16, Sinclair reflects on her impressive journey spanning 23 years, including six World Cups, four Olympic Games, 327 caps, and 190 international goals.

With 190 goals, Sinclair has emerged as the top scorer in both men's and women's international soccer, solidifying her status as a major force on the Canadian national team. As she announced the conclusion of her international career, Sinclair revealed that she intends to bid farewell in a manner reminiscent of her humble beginnings - playing the game she is passionate about, shedding a few tears, on a Vancouver field.

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Christine Sinclair: Unveiling the Journey of Soccer's Most Ruthless Striker

In addition to her remarkable on-field achievements, the celebrated Olympic gold medalist of 2021, Christine Sinclair, delves passionately into her endeavors beyond the bounds of the soccer pitch.

Reading this, you may wonder what else could be possible. Can achieving the title of the most prolific goal scorer in history and winning an Olympic gold medal guarantee a smooth journey? Well, soon enough you will realize that the reality behind the scenes is not as rosy as it seems," Sinclair expresses.

You will come to know that players from the Canadian women's national team were earning a mere $10 per day. You will learn that while the prize money for the Women's World Cup is set to increase, it is still overshadowed by the higher increase in prize money for the men's tournament, further widening the gender pay gap. Moreover, you will witness the unfortunate circumstances where young girls fall through the cracks of development due to the absence of a proper pathway to the national team.

"You will defy your federation to champion a groundbreaking agreement on equal pay for the national team. You will proudly unveil the forthcoming establishment of a professional women's football league in Canada. You will ignite the aspirations of countless young girls as they take their first kicks with genuine dreams of playing the sport professionally. And rest assured, we will persist in our fight for what is just. We will strive for equality, not only for the present, but also for the past and future generations," Sinclair articulates.

Sinclair stretches for the ball while the US' Julie Ertz challenges her at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in the semifinal match.

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I am immensely grateful to all those who have supported me throughout my remarkable international career. Alongside my extraordinary teammates, coaches, support staff, fans, and certainly my family, I stand here ready to conclude this incredible journey. Without them, our accomplishments would not have been possible. In this final stretch, I find myself in the 90th minute of our extraordinary voyage.

Canada will be hosting Brazil twice during the upcoming international break, which will be followed by the final international break in November. Despite her retirement from international football, Sinclair, the star player for the Portland Thorns, suggests the possibility of a return to the field for her NWSL team.

The 40-year-old signed off her letter with: "P.S. - Portland, how about one more year?"