Former United States men’s national team captain Michael Bradley announced Tuesday that he will retire following Toronto FC’s final match of the season.
Bradley, 36, has spent his past 10 seasons with Toronto FC. The last-place Reds (4-19-10, 22 points) conclude their campaign on Saturday against host Orlando City (17-7-9, 60 points).
“On Jan. 13, 2014, I sat at a press conference and said that I had never been ‘more excited, more determined, and more motivated for any challenge in my entire career.’ I meant every single word,” Bradley said in a statement.
“For the last 10 years I have spilled my blood, sweat and tears trying to help this club be the best it could be. There were some incredible days — moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life — and some bad ones too. But I never stopped giving everything I had.
“Thank you to all my teammates, coaches, and everyone inside the club. Thank you to the fans for the unforgettable nights at BMO Field. This city and this club will always be home.”
Bradley recorded 17 goals and 41 assists in 287 career appearances (283 starts) with the then-New York/New Jersey MetroStars and Toronto FC. The midfielder also helped Toronto FC become the first MLS side to win the Supporters’ Shield, Canadian Championship and the MLS Cup in the same season (2017).
“Over the past decade with Toronto FC, Michael Bradley has become a club legend,” Toronto FC president Bill Manning said. “Michael has raised many trophies along the way and has represented this club in the best possible way. His accomplishments with TFC will live on forever and all of us at the club thank him for the memories.”
Bradley has made 151 appearances with the USMNT, which is third-most in program history. He also appeared at two World Cups.
“We want to congratulate Michael on a historic career for both club and country. As a member of Toronto FC, Michael served as the captain and driving force of the most prolific period of success in our club’s history,” Toronto FC general manager Jason Hernandez said.
“For 10 years, Michael committed himself to striving for greatness with TFC and was a central figure in many of our greatest triumphs as a club. We want to take this opportunity to thank Michael for all that he has done for our club and our city. His legacy, both on and off the field, will be cemented in our club’s history forever.”
–Field Level Media