The sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of my Chicago penthouse, casting a warm glow over the living room where Sakina and I sat. The euphoria of our Olympic victories lingered, a sweet memory that we were still trying to digest. I looked over at her, a mix of pride and sadness swirling in my chest. She had fought valiantly for France, leading them to a commendable third place, while I had guided the U.S. Women's National Team to gold.
As I poured us both a glass of water, I noticed Sakina gazing thoughtfully out the window. "What's on your mind?" I asked, taking a seat beside her on the plush sofa.
She turned, a serious look in her eyes. "Je pense à l'avenir,"[I am thinking of the future] she began, her voice low and contemplative.
I nodded, urging her to elaborate. "What about the future?"
"Je ne veux plus jouer," [I dont want to play anymore] she admitted, her hands fidgeting nervously. "Pas après cette saison." [not after this season]
I'd expected this conversation ever since she'd confided in me at the Olympics. I knew she was grappling with the weight of her decision, and I was here to support her through it. "You mean... you're actually going to retire from the national team and PSG?"
"Ouai,"[yeah] she confirmed, her gaze steady as she met my eyes. "C'est difficile à admettre." [its difficult for me to admit]
"You've earned every right to make this choice, Sakina. If you feel it's time, then it's time," I said, trying to convey my unwavering support.
Her lips turned up slightly in a grateful smile. "Merci, Y/N. Je pense que je dois faire une annonce." [thank you, Y/N. I think I must make an announcement.]
I raised an eyebrow. "Do you want to do it now? You don't have to rush."
"Non, mais je veux que le monde sache que je fais ce choix. Je vais l'écrire." She reached for her phone, her expression resolute as she began typing out her statement. [No, but I want the world to know Im making this choice. I am to write it.]
I watched her, feeling a mix of admiration and heartache. I knew this was a pivotal moment, a crossroads that would lead her to new adventures.
Sakina paused, tapping her fingers against the screen as she collected her thoughts. "Je vais dire, 'Je suis fière de mon parcours avec l'équipe de France et le PSG, mais après mûre réflexion, j'ai décidé de prendre ma retraite du football international et domestique. Merci à tous pour votre soutien et votre amour.'" [I am proud of my journey with the French team and PSG, but after some consideration, I have decided to retire from international and domestic football. Thank you everyone for support and love.]
"Sounds perfect," I replied, my voice warm with encouragement. "It captures everything you want to express."
She nodded, her eyes focused intently on the screen. With one last breath, she hit send, the finality of her announcement resonating in the air.
"C'est fait," [Its done] she said, a bittersweet smile lighting up her face.
I wrapped my arms around her in a tight embrace. "I'm so proud of you, Sakina. This is just the beginning of something new, and I'll be right there with you."
"Merci, Y/N,"[Thank you, Y/N] she whispered into my shoulder, her voice filled with emotion.
We held each other for a moment longer, both absorbing the significance of her decision. I knew that while it marked the end of a beautiful chapter, it also signaled the start of something exciting for both of us. Together, we were ready to face whatever the future held.
AN: I have decided to add my native language, writing in english is getting mentally tiring.
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USWNT: A New Era
Ficção GeralGXG, GiP In a world where women's football reigns supreme, she is the GOAT-a six-time Ballon d'Or winner, an unstoppable force on the pitch, and the most decorated player in history. After an illustrious career representing Chelsea and the English n...
