US Soccer icon and Los Angeles Galaxy star Landon Donovan announced on Thursday that he will retire after the current Major League Soccer season.
Donovan, who is the all-time leading goal scorer in the MLS and US national soccer team, announced his decision through a post on his official Facebook account where he indicated that he is planning to pursue other opportunities.
"I don't write these words lightly and this day carries mixed emotions for me. I am sad to leave a profession that has brought me so much joy," Donovan said in a statement. "However, after spending half my life as a professional soccer player, I also am excited to begin a new chapter and pursue other opportunities that will challenge me and allow me to grow as a person."
Donovan, who recently led the MLS All-Star team to a 2-1 win against Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, said in a news conference that he decided to announce his retirement while the season is ongoing to give the Galaxy a chance to rebuild quickly for the next several seasons.
"I wanted the Galaxy to have the right amount of time to do what they want to do next," Donovan said via ESPN FC. "I also want to have some peace of mind going into the end of the season. I want to enjoy the last few months of my career."
The 32-year-old midfielder, who has four goals and five assists in the current MLS season, said that he made the decision before their game in Seattle on July 28. Donovan vowed to play at his best in the remaining games of his professional career, saying that he wants to go out as a champion.
Donovan, who was left out of the US national soccer team that competed in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, said that he will still be involved in the sport, saying that coaching in the future is in sight.
"We'll see, potentially," Donovan said when asked about the possibility of coaching a club. "I absolutely want to work with kids. I spoke to the Galaxy extensively about working with the academy. That for me would be a good way for me to come full circle. I fully expect for that to happen at some point."
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