Seattle Sounders FC forward Clint Dempsey is retiring from professional soccer after a "lot of thought."
The 35-year-old is ending his 15-year career, that also included playing for the New England Revolution, Fulham FC, Tottenham Hotspur, and the U.S. Men's National Team.
"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," Dempsey said.
Dempsey joined the Sounders in August 2013.
He was an integral member of Seattle's 2014 Supporter's Shield-winning campaign and helped the team secure the 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cut championship -- scoring the match-winning goal.
In 2015, he scored 10 goals and tallied 10 assists, becoming the only MLS player to record double-digit goals and assists in each of those season.
Though he was sidelined during Seattle's run to the MLS Cup in 2016 for an irregular heartbeat, he played an important role in getting the team back on track after a difficult start to the season.
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He returned to the action in the 2017 preseason, where he recorded 15 goals and five assists in 33 appearances. He earned the 2017 MLS Comeback Player of the Year honor.
Dempsey recorded one goal and one assist in 14 appearances this season before retiring.
He retires as the Sounders all-time leader with six goals in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
You can watch all of Dempsey's 57 goals for the Sounders here.
"As far as I'm concerned, Clint Dempsey is the greatest player in the history of our country," Sounders FC General Manager and President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey said. "His mark on both our club and the United States Men's National Team is indelible, and his hard-earned reputation as a trailblazer for our nation in Europe helped pave the way for generations of future Americans abroad. His service to our game deserves special recognition, and we know our fans will give him that prior to Saturday's match at CenturyLink Field."
"I'd like to thank all of my teammates, coaches, and support staff that I've worked with throughout my career," Dempsey said. "It has always been my dream to make it as a pro. I'm grateful to have been on this ride."
