Sydney Leroux recently opened up about her struggles after retiring from soccer. Leroux announced taking a break from the sport this year to priortize her mental health and family.Months after the decision, she was diagnosed with anorexia, about which she decided to speak in her latest social media update. She opened up about the condition, stating she has been dealing with it for a long time without even realizing it was a problem. She highlighted that although speaking about it makes her feel scared and vulnerable, she doesn't want others to feel alone. Leroux also added that since the disorder is common in women's sports, it needs more attention. "I feel extremely vulnerable, and I'm embarrassed, and I am disappointed in myself, and I am mad at myself for disappointing other people and I am just scared. I'm absolutely terrified, actually, but I will never let my fear be bigger than the possibility of saving someone's life. I was diagnosed with anorexia and I have been living with that for as long as I can remember. I didn't think it was a problem. I just thought that that was the way my body reacted to the pressure.""That is not a scoping skill, but it became one for me, and I just wanna open this conversation so that we can talk about it more because it's in women's sports, it's here to stay and we don't talk about it and I want to change that and I hope that this message reaches someone and know that you are not alone and that there is hope and recovery and I'm here for you." View this post on Instagram Instagram PostAs Leroux showed the courage to open up about the disorder, she received support from fellow Angel City player Trinity Rodman and other NWSL athletes. "Ur amazing love you syd❤️," Rodman wrote.Houston Dash's forward Messiah Bright shared her adoration for the 35-year-old soccer player:"Strongest person I know. I love you, my girly❤️."Seattle Reign FC's Sofia Huerta also thanked Leroux for opening up about the setback. "Ty for sharing ❤️""Sending love syd <3," Samantha Mewis penned. Screenshot of the Instagram post's comment.Sydney Leroux reveals the reason for stepping down from soccer Sydney Leroux in San Jose, California. (Photo - Getty Images)Sydney Leroux announced about taking a break from the sport in March, stating that she wants to priortize her mental health and family. She moved to Arizona from Canada at the age of 14 to follow her soccer dreams and represented the USA Team at the 2012 London Games and 2015 World Cup.However, after dedicating a major period of her life to the sport, she decided to change her priorities and focus on her kids, Cassius (8), and daughter Roux (5)."Taking a break from soccer to focus on my mental health was a really tough decision but I know it’s the best choice, she wrote on Instagram. "Right now, I owe it to myself and my children to take a step back and take care of me." Sydney Leroux retired from the sport in October.