Landon Donovan has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 32-year old LA Galaxy star will call it quits at the culmination of the 2014 MLS season, bringing to a close a stellar 15-year career.
Donovan wrote the following on his official Facebook page: "After careful deliberation and after many conversations with those closest to me, I have decided that this will be my last season as a professional soccer player.
"I feel incredibly blessed and lucky to have played a role in the remarkable growth of MLS and US Soccer during my playing career. And while my career as a player will soon be over, rest assured I will stay connected on many levels to the beautiful game.
"As we enter a transformative time for the sport, I will do everything I can to help the continued growth of soccer in the United States. I look forward to making a difference, pursuing my passions and meeting all of you along the way in this next phase of my life."
Donovan kicked off his career with Bayer Leverkusen back in 1999 before rising to prominence with San Jose Earthquakes between 2001 and 2004, scoring 27 goals in 59 MLS outings.
The attacking midfielder/forward joined the Galaxy from Leverkusen in 2005 and underwent a loan spell with German giants Bayern Munich in 2009. He has also had two successful short loans with English side Everton.
Donovan scored 57 goals in 156 internationals for the USA throughout his career and has thus far netted 125 goals in 276 appearances for LA.
The five-time MLS Cup winner will end his career as the USA's all-time top scorer as well as Major League Soccer's leading scorer.
"I will do everything I can to help the continued growth of soccer in the US"
#ThanksLD: http://t.co/ggP7K5UD2Upic.twitter.com/tTt5gYkj4L
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) August 7, 2014
So. Many. Memories.
@LAGalaxyInsider's top 10 moments of @landondonovan's career: http://t.co/dAaLJMkFWW#ThanksLDpic.twitter.com/FuTLYmzBDX
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) August 7, 2014
