Hope Solo has shoulder replacement surgery
Former U.S. women’s national team goalkeeper Hope Solo underwent shoulder replacement surgery on Tuesday, posting pictures on social media before the procedure.
Solo did not say how long she would be out of competition or how long rehab would take.
"An opportunity presented itself after my contract was terminated and while difficult, it opened the door to take care of a long overdue surgery," Solo said in a statement posted on Facebook. "Thanks to a brilliant team of doctors at the University of Washington Medical Center led by Dr. Frederick Matsen (my new Captain Sully, my hero!) I’ve got a brand new shoulder (read: bionic) and for the first time in years, I can raise my right arm above my head."
Solo was suspended by U.S. soccer and had her national team contract terminated for calling Sweden’s national team “cowards” following a quarterfinal loss over at the Rio Olympics. Solo is ineligible for reinstatement until february.
U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati said Solo's comments about Sweden were "unacceptable" and did not "meet the standard of conduct we require from our national team players."
Solo also opted not to play for the NWSL’s Seattle Reign for the remainder of the season, saying that she was not "mentally" prepared to return to the team. The team did grant her personal leave.
Solo, 37, has won one World Cup title and two Olympic gold medals, spanning 202 national team appearances with 102 clean sheets to her record.
"I’m filled with excitement knowing how life-changing this is and I look forward to coming back healthier and stronger than ever," Solo said.
- Scooby Axson