LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Megan Rapinoe, a prominent player for the United States women’s national team, has spoken candidly about her conflict with the former President and claiming she always “felt” that he “loved” her.
Rapinoe stated she wouldn’t travel “to the f*cking White House” if the USWNT won the Women’s World Cup in 2019, to which Trump tweeted: “WIN first before she TALKS”.
Rapinoe and her colleagues would go on to defend their title as world champions, but they would not attend the post-championship White House ceremony.
In an interview with TIME, Rapinoe talked about Trump and her status as a polarizing sportsperson, too. “You know he was watching that game,” she said. “You know he had his McDonald’s lined up and he was probably like, ‘You know what, I love that.’ I always felt Trump loved me.
“I’m exactly what they’re familiar and comfortable with, just packaged up differently. But I’m exactly the brash, arrogant athlete that Americans love.”
READ ALSO: United States, Mexico To Jointly Bid For 2027 Women’s World Cup
Having announced her retirement earlier this week, which will come at the end of the year, the forward was also asked about the plans she has beyond her playing career.
“I have this incredible privilege and platform and hope that I can turn that into rocket fuel for the next phase of everything,” she said. “I want to make the world a better place. And I will pull that lever slowly, relentlessly, and ruthlessly, forever.”
The forward still has a few more playing months left. Rapinoe is a member of the USWNT team that is attempting to become the first nation to win the World Cup three times in a row.
After that, the club season must be finished. Rapinoe and the OL Reign have never won the NWSL Championship; doing so would be the ideal way for her to leave the game.
The USWNT will begin its World Cup campaign on 21 July against Vietnam in New Zealand after playing its final exhibition match against Wales on Sunday.