Official release from LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy defender Gregg Berhalter has announced that he will retire following the 2011 MLS season.
Now in his 18th season as a professional, Berhalter joined the Galaxy in April 2009 and was a central figure in the club's defensive transformation that has seen them allow the fewest goals in MLS over the past three seasons.
In January, the 38-year-old New Jersey native became a player/coach, joining Bruce Arena's coaching staff in addition to his role as a central defender. Berhalter, who has been out since injuring his right foot in a CONCACAF Champions League game at home against Alajuelense on August 25, will be honored following the Galaxy's regular season home finale against Chivas USA on Sunday.
"I am grateful for all of the experiences that soccer has given me throughout my career," Berhalter said. "I am proud to have been able to play for my country at the highest level as well as to play for all of the clubs that I have. I hope that I represented them well through hard work, dedication and my love for the game.
"There are an endless number of people that I have learned from and who have helped me throughout this journey and I am eternally thankful to all of them. Specifically, I would like to thank AEG, Bruce Arena and the entire Galaxy coaching staff for transforming this club into the one that it is today and for allowing me to be a part of it. I have enjoyed every minute of my three years with the Galaxy and will cherish the time that I have been able to spend with my teammates and the staff here with the club.
"I would also like to thank Nike for their continued support throughout my entire career. Finally, I would not be the person that I am today if not for the support of my parents, siblings and especially my wife and children. I cannot thank them enough for being a part of this wonderful journey with me.
"This was not an easy decision for me to make but I feel that the timing is right for me to close this chapter of my career and begin to focus on the next stage as I look to continue my career in coaching."
