Brazilian legend Marta will retire from international football this year.
The 38-year-old confirmed the news in an interview with CNN Esportes S/A that airs Sunday, saying she is at peace with her decision given the promising future of Brazil’s national team, which has a pipeline of young, blossoming talent.
“This is my last year, and I can already confirm it here. There is a moment when we have to understand that the time has come,” Marta told CNN. “I am very calm about this, because I see with great optimism this development that we are having in relation to young athletes.”
Marta has appeared in five Olympics throughout her decorated career, winning silver medals in 2004 and 2008. It remains to be seen if she will be chosen to represent Brazil at the Paris Olympics this summer but she said that, regardless, she will no longer be with the team come 2025.
“If I go to the Olympics, I will enjoy every moment, because regardless of whether I go to the Olympics or not, this is my last year with the national team,” Marta said to CNN. “There is no longer Marta in the national team as an athlete from 2025 onwards.”
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