Megan Rapinoe: 'I'm not going to the White House'
United States star Megan Rapinoe gave a frank answer when it came to a potential White House visit.
Published : Jun 26, 2019 09:55 IST
Megan Rapinoe said "I'm not going to the f****** White House" if the United States wins the Women's World Cup.
Defending champion USA faces host France in the World Cup quarterfinals in Paris on Friday. Asked if a visit to the White House would be on the cards should USA retains its title, star Rapinoe told Eight by Eight : "I'm not going to the f****** White House.
"No. I'm not going to the White House. We're not going to be invited."
Rapinoe was inspired by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's protest bringing attention to police brutality and racial inequality. And the 33-year-old became the first white athlete to kneel during the national anthem before a sporting event in 2016.
REPORT | Spain 1-2 United States
Rapinoe continues to protest the national anthem in her own way at the World Cup. She stands in silence while other members of the national team place their hands over their hearts and sing "The Star-Spangled Banner."
United States president Donald Trump responded to her actions on Tuesday. "No. I don't think so," Trump told The Hill when asked if Rapinoe should protest during the national anthem.
Read | US president Trump criticises Rapinoe's anthem protest
Trump went on to say he loves watching women's soccer, adding: "They're really talented."
'Great burden of expectation'
Rapinoe's Eight by Eight interview also touched on the expectations that drive the team to chase another world title. USA had its toughest match of the World Cup on Monday when Spain scored the first goal of the tournament against the reigning champion.
Rapinoe scored USA's only goals in that match as the international powerhouse prevailed 2-1. "We have a great burden of expectation, but I think that also brings out the best in you and we just except to win every single game," she said.
"So if we're down two-nil with 10 minutes left, we expect to win that game. We've been in those situations before and it's just sort of ingrained in us."