CNN
—

US soccer star Alex Morgan bid farewell to her professional career with emotional words on Sunday as she played her final minutes in the San Diego Waves’ 4-1 loss to North Carolina Courage.

The 35-year-old, who announced her retirement from the sport last week, was substituted in the 13th minute – the number she wore for most of her career – and received a standing ovation from everyone at Snapdragon Stadium in Southern California.

An emotional Morgan then took off her football boots in the middle of the pitch and left the field in tears.

After the final whistle, she returned to the pitch to address the thousands of fans who remained there.

“I would like to thank my teammates who challenged me every day and made me better. I would like to thank my family who supported me tirelessly and sacrificed so much for me,” she said in her farewell speech.

“There have been so many incredible moments in my career, but this one, this final moment that I share with you on the field, is something I will remember forever. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

The accurate striker had the opportunity to exit in style earlier in the game, but her penalty was saved by the goalkeeper in the 10th minute.

Morgan announced her retirement last week with an emotional, four-minute-long video on social media. In the video, she also revealed that she was pregnant with her second child.

Morgan’s daughter Charlie accompanied her as she entered the pitch for the last time after the final whistle, bringing a bouquet of flowers.

The legendary striker retires after winning two World Cup titles and an Olympic gold medal in 2012 with the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT).

The striker also scored 123 goals for her country, placing her fifth on the USWNT all-time list.