In a brief message addressed to his fans, the prolific US men national team striker announced his retirement on Wednesday, ending a professional career that spanned 15 years.
With no flashy cameras or an emotional news conference to bare his soul to fans, Clint Dempsey announced he would be retiring from active soccer in a tersely written statement.
“After a lot of thought, my family and I have decided that this is the right time for me to step away from the game,” the statement read. “It has always been my dream to make it as a pro. I’m grateful to have been on this ride.”
Dempsey hanged his boots as one of the most accomplished soccer players in the US. A 7-year veteran in the English Premiership, the former Sounders FC forward played for Fulham and Tottenham. He scored 57 goals in the premier league, the most by an American.
American Soccer Hero
For his country, the 35-year old participated and scored in three consecutive world cups and scored a record-breaking 57 goals. His record with the US men’s team is only matched by one man, Landon Donovan.
A native Texan, Dempsey joined Seattle Sounders in 2013 after his tenure in the premier league. Before that, he played for the New England Revolution, where he debuted in 2004.
Sounders FC General Manager Garth Lagerwery described Dempsey as “the greatest player in the history of our country.” Former Stoke City player Geoff Cameron called his fellow USMNT playmate “a role model to American field players.”
Dempsey was diagnosed with a heart condition in 2016 as per Sounds FC, an issue that may have forced the striker to retire two months before the MLS season is over.
