US forward Alex Morgan is set to join European Champions Lyon in a decision she hopes will help in her quest to become the world's best player.

The club announced on Thursday that Morgan is set to arrive from Orlando Pirates on a six-month deal, with an option to play her for another one season.

Like Us on Facebook

"I hope that this change will help push my game to another level. I want to be the best player in the United States, the best player in the world," Morgan said.

The player has made 120 appearances for the USA, scoring 73 goals. She won the Olympic gold medal in 2012 and the World Cup last year in Canada. She has never played in Europe.

Lyon is second in the league this season, three points behind unbeaten leaders Paris St-Germain (PSG). The team lost their first game in two years after their 2-1 loss to PSG on Saturday.

On paper, Morgan will form what promises to be a lethal attacking partnership with French striker Eugenie Le Sommer, who has notched 16 goals in 12 appearances this season. Morgan explained that she made the decision to join Lyon during "a belated honeymoon that I took with my husband, Servando, in Europe."

"Lyon is a team that is world-renowned for excellence, with a roster that includes many of the greatest players in the world. In fact, Lyon won all three possible titles last season: Champions League, French League and the Coupe de France," Morgan added.

Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas has overseen remarkable success with both the men's and women's teams. The men have won seven concurrent French titles from 2002 to 2008, while the women have lifted the league title a record 14 times.

"Alex Morgan's arrival demonstrates Lyon's will to invest in the highest level, starting with the women," Aulas tweeted.

TagsUS Soccer, usa women's football team, us sports, women's football