Popp prepares for Monday's farewell: "I still can't believe it's over."

Alexandra Popp, a German female football star, will retire from the German national team on Monday night in Duisburg.

Alexandra Popp's German national team career will officially end on Monday night in Duisburg. The 33-year-old is a well-known character in German football circles, having scored 67 goals in 145 matches for her country since making her senior debut in 2010. Over the course of 14 years, she has become the face of German women's football.

Despite the fact that the German ladies still have a major international tournament to compete in next summer, Popp's body showed signals during this summer's Olympics that the pressure of representing her country was too great. In a tearful video message earlier this month, the career VfL Wolfsburg player announced her retirement from international competition.

"Dear fans and colleagues," Popp began in early October, "For 18 years, 14 of which were at the top level, I had the pleasure and privilege of proudly donning the national team's tricot. I've always said that my instinct will tell me when the time is up."

"Now I've decided," Popp added. "After many tear-filled considerations, I've chosen - with a heavy heart - to end my time with the national team. The fire that has been burning inside me for 18 years has died down. It was always crucial for me to make this difficult decision based on my inner compass.

"Before the ticking time bomb that is my body and the fire goes out completely, now the time is here," Popp continued; "I've been privileged to make friends and discover people, countries, and cities that I never might have gotten to know otherwise."

"And thanks to my fans for all of their support," Popp continued. "It's always amazing to me how much something as simple as football means to people." I wish my team all the best in the future and look forward to Duisburg."

Popp appeared far less emotional during a Wolfsburg press conference earlier this week. The veteran, who had not yet reported for national team duties, said that the reality of her leaving had not yet set in. Unlike in the video message, it appeared like Popp had adjusted to the new reality.

"I have no preconceived notions of how it will go in Duisburg," Popp said at the press conference. "I believe I'll figure that out when I report to the team on Saturday." I haven't considered how it will go, which is probably for the best.

"Because of the way I play football, I've paid a tremendous price [in terms of injuries]," Popp continued, "but I adore football too much to quit altogether. I still can't believe it is over."

"I don't know yet whether I'll start or be substituted," Popp said of Monday's match. "I hope the players bring their best to the pitch. I envision a bright future for them."

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