Partner Sue Bird hits back at critics doubting Megan Rapinoe’s ‘patriotism,’ says she just wants a ‘better version’ of America

Megan Rapinoe's partner stands by her as she announces retirement.

Partner Sue Bird hits back at critics doubting Megan Rapinoe’s ‘patriotism,’ says she just wants a ‘better version’ of America

Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird (Credit: Getty)

Megan Rapinoe’s fiancee Sue Bird has released a video to show her respect and congratulate her on her retirement. Megan Rapinoe announced that she was calling it a day after USWNT was knocked out by Sweden in the last 16 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. They were considered heavy favorites to win the tournament while entering it. The team won it in 2015 and 2019 becoming defending champions.

However, they could not defend their title. USWNT never looked like their dominant self throughout the competition. They beat Vietnam 3-0, but then went on to draw with the Netherlands 1-1 and Portugal 0-0. This somehow gave them enough points to make it to the next round.

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Finally, they were eliminated by Sweden in penalty shootouts. Megan Rapinoe missed her penalty which could have been crucial to give USA the lead in it. After the exit, she announced her retirement. Now, her fiance Sue Bird has come out with a video to give her tribute for her contribution to the team. She mentioned her activism-related activities which led to many breakthroughs in the side.

The footballer campaigned for equal wages for men and women. She is also currently fighting for the inclusion of trans women in sports. But the one which created the most controversy was when she knelt down during the national anthem. She followed NFL player Colin Kaepernick who had done it after the murder of George Floyd inciting the Black Lives Matter movement. To support him, she replicated his stunt in the USWNT match. It had been called Anti-American because it is said to be a revolt against the flag.

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Sue Bird’s video on Megan Rapinoe

Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird
Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird (Credit: Getty)

In the video, Sue Bird said, “Her patriotism has led her to lend her voice to those who need it. When she started kneeling to protest racial inequality in the United States, she did it because she loved America and believed it could be a better version of itself.”

Bird also praised her efforts for the equal pay movement. She had rallied the whole US team to ditch the visit to the White House after winning the World Cup in 2019. She wanted both men and women in the country to have equal wages in the sport. It was her longest fight and she went to numerous media channels to protest for it. The US later granted her wish, making her protests and outcry successful.

Bird went on to conclude the video by saying, “When Megan retires, she won’t stop using her voice. She won’t stop expressing herself. But the sport will be just a little less fun without her.” Rapinoe has confirmed her retirement putting curtains in a trophy-laden career.

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