‘I’ve been waiting for you’

Megan Rapinoe and her fiancée Sue Bird were spotted holding hands after the intense 2023 NWSL Championship.

After Megan Rapinoe’s final professional soccer game in the 2023 NWSL Championship, Sue Bird has warmly embraced her partner’s retirement.

Rapinoe left the game after just six minutes due to a suspected Achilles injury during OL Reign’s 1-0 loss to Gotham FC. The unexpected turn of events was described by her teammates and opponents as “devastating” for the soccer legend.

“I just feel so gutted for her. Honestly, I never thought that would ever happen,” fellow retiree and Gotham captain Ali Krieger expressed. “And I feel so sad because you know football is such a risk, right? And you never know if it’s going to be your last game, your last moment.

“And to happen to such an incredible player, in that moment … It just is so sad and I feel for her and I’m gonna be there every step of the way for her recovery. … And I never wanted that to happen because I wanted to celebrate with her at the end.”

Bird, who has been in a relationship with Rapinoe since 2017, retired from professional basketball last year as one of the greatest players in WNBA history. In a post on Instagram Stories, the Seattle Storm great welcomed Rapinoe into retirement.

“Cheer to you, baby! To an unbelievable career, to all you’ve accomplished, and to all the lives you’ve impacted along the way,” she wrote. “It’s not how you wanted it to end. It’s not how any of us wanted it to end, but the truth is a legacy like yours has no ending.

“Even though you’re saying goodbye to the game, you’ll be saying hello to a whole lot more and that legacy will just continue to grow. Congratulations and welcome to retirement!! I’ve been waiting for you.”