Christine Sinclair sees farewell tour with Canada as 'great opportunity' to thank fans

While no fan of being in the spotlight, captain Christine Sinclair knows she will be centre stage in her final four games for Canada.

The 40-year-old from Burnaby, B.C., admitted to having "mixed emotions" Thursday as she started her farewell tour, having seen former Canadian goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe and U.S. stars like Megan Rapinoe honoured at their final games.

Sinclair, as humble as they come, has always been uncomfortable being the main attraction.

"Yes that is my worst nightmare," she said with a smile in Montreal, where Canada faces Brazil on Saturday. "However, I do realize this is a great opportunity to play four games across Canada and, for me, to be able to say thank you to the fans that have supported me throughout my career.

"The [final] one in Vancouver, I don't know what is going to be planned. I just have told people I don't want to be surprised by anything."

WATCH | Examining the legacy Christine Sinclair leaves behind:

Sinclair seemed dead serious. But the chances of a surprise-free exit from the international stage seem slim.

When Sinclair scored her record-setting 185th goal in January 2020, passing retired American Abby Wambach, in an 11-0 romp over St. Kitts and Nevis at the CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Championship at H-E-B Park in south Texas, her teammates were ready, complete with props.

A smiling Sinclair turned, her arms outstretched, and then pumped her fists before Adriana Leon, who assisted on the play, arrived to hug her. The goal celebration continued at the sideline with Sinclair rolling the ball into her teammates, who went down like bowling pins.

Behind her, the Canadian substitutes had donned goat masks to honour the Greatest Of All Time.

Sinclair's news conference, her