LA Galaxy veteran Clint Mathis has announced his retirement from the game. The 33-year old former USA international kicked off his career with the Galaxy back in 1998 and had stints with MetroStars, Germany's Hannover, Real Salt Lake, Colorado Rapids, New York Red Bulls and Greek club Ergotelis along the way.

The following is a press release from the Galaxy which pulled the curtain on a fantastic career.

'The Los Angeles Galaxy announced on Tuesday that veteran midfielder Clint Mathis has decided to retire, thus putting an end to an illustrious 13-year professional career that included a brilliant goal in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

"It has been an amazing and exciting ride, full of moments and people that will stay with me forever," said Mathis. "I cannot thank everyone who has been a part of this journey with me enough for all that you have done to help me enjoy such a fulfilling life in the sport of soccer."

Mathis was praised by USA national team coach Bob Bradley as well as former RSL teammate Jason Kreis.

Bradley said: "Clint was a real talent capable of doing exciting things on the field, and along with his personality he brought some qualities that few American players have possessed."

Kreis added: "I have always admired his unparalleled abilities on the field. He was a fantastic player, with a fantastic competitive spirit, and someone that has always been capable of making the really special plays.

"He was an integral piece of the rebuilding of our club here at Real Salt Lake since rejoining us in 2008, and was a huge factor in the changing of our competitive spirit. I am so pleased that he can retire knowing that he was part of something incredibly special and truly historic - a championship-winning team."