United States international Landon Donovan has announced he will retire from football at the end of the current campaign in Major League Soccer season.
Donovan set to hang his boot
The 32-year-old is the United States' all-time top scorer with 57 goals in 156 games.
The LA Galaxy forward told the club's website: "After careful deliberation and conversations with those closest to me, this will be my last year as a professional."
Donovan featured in three World Cups for his country and is a six-time member of the MLS' Best XI squad.
Landon Donovan is United States' all-time top scorer with 57 goals in 156 games
At club level, Donovan has primarily spent most of his career in the US with San Jose Earthquakes and Los Angeles Galaxy, despite signing an initial six-year contract with Bayer Leverkusen at the age of 17.
The 32-year-old also enjoyed two loan spells with Everton, initially for the second half of the 2009/10 season, and again for two months early in 2012, scoring two goals in a total of 22 appearances.
Landon Donovan was dropped from the United States' team for 2014 World Cup
Explaining his decision via his Facebook page, Donovan said: "This day carries mixed emotions for me. I am sad to leave a profession that has brought me so much joy.
"However, after spending half my life as a professional soccer player I am also excited to begin a new chapter and pursue other opportunities that will challenge me and allow me to grow as a person."
Hinting he will remain in football in some capacity, Donovan added: "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."
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