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

Alexandra Popp will officially end her German national team career on Monday night in Duisburg. The 33-year-old - ever the popular figure in German footballing circles - scored 67 goals in 145 caps for country since making her debut for the senior German women's team in 2010. Over the course of those 14 years, she's become the face of German women's football. 

Despite the fact that the German women still have a major international tournament to contest next summer, there were signs from Popp during this summer's Olympics that her body was telling her that the duress of representing her country proved too much. In an emotional video message earlier this month, the career VfL Wolfsburg professional announced she would be retiring from international play. 

"Dear fans and colleagues," Popp began at the beginning of October, "For 18 years, and 14 at the highest level, I had the pleasure and privilege of proudly wearing the tricot of the national team. I've always emphasized that my gut would tell me when the time is over." 

"Now I've decided," Popp continued, "After many tear-filled deliberations, I've decided - with a heavy heart - to conclude my career with the national team. the fire that was in me for 18 years has fizzled out. It was always important for me to make this tough choice 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 went on to say, "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 their support," Popp concluded, "It's always astounding to me how much something as simple as football means to people. I wish my team all the success in the future and am looking forward to Duisburg." 

Popp stood significantly less emotional at a Wolfsburg presser earlier this week. Not yet reporting for national team duty, the veteran admitted that her departure hadn't fully sunk in yet. Unlike in the video message, it seemed as if Popp had adjusted to the new reality.

"I have no preconceived notions of how it will go in Duisburg," Popp said at the presser, "I think I'll figure that out when I report to the team on Saturday. I haven't thought about how it will go and that's probably for the best." 

"Because of the way I play football, I've paid a high price [in terms of injury]," Popp continued, "but I enjoy football too much to stop completely. I still can't believe it's over." 

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