SEATTLE -- Seattle Reign star and former U.S. Soccer goalie Hope Solo announced Wednesday she underwent shoulder replacement surgery. And in what may be surprising for some to hear, she says she can raise her right arm over her head for the first time in years.
"An opportunity presented itself after my contract was terminated and while difficult, it opened the door to take care of a long overdue surgery," wrote Solo on Facebook.
Solo's contract with U.S. Soccer was terminated shortly after the Olympics. She called the Swedish team "cowards" for their style of play after the Swedes beat the U.S. in the quarterfinals, eliminating the U.S. from contention. It followed a string of other off-the-field transgressions.
She later announced she would sit out the remainder of the Seattle Reign's season.
Solo praised her doctor and the staff at the University of Washington Medical Center.
"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. I’m filled with excitement knowing how life-changing this is and I look forward to coming back healthier and stronger than ever," said Solo.
While she did not go into detail about the extent of her injury, the website SounderAtHeart reports she tweeted a link to a website that details shoulder arthritis.
