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In a significant announcement for US soccer fans, Michael Bradley, a mainstay of USMNT and the dedicated captain of Toronto FC, confirmed his retirement at the end of this Major League Soccer season. Bradley's departure marks the end of an illustrious nearly two-decade-long journey in the soccer world.
Reflecting on his dedication to Toronto FC over the last decade, Bradley remarked, "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."
The midfielder's voyage in professional soccer began back in 2005, at the age of 17 with the MetroStars. This was before his trip across the pond that saw Bradley play for clubs like Heerenveen, Monchengladbach, Aston Villa, Chievo, and Roma. However, in 2014, the pull of MLS proved irresistible, and Bradley returned, joining Toronto FC-a club that became synonymous with his name.
His tenure with the Reds has been nothing short of spectacular. Bradley not only made 308 appearances-standing second in the all-time list for the club-but also steered the team to clinch the MLS Cup in 2017.
Bill Manning, the president of Toronto FC, couldn't help but shower praises on the departing captain. "Over the past decade with Toronto FC, Michael Bradley has become a club legend," he stated, adding, "As Captain in over 300 games, 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 retires as a USMNT legend
Internationally, Bradley's contributions to the USMNT have been paramount. With two CONCACAF Gold Cups to his name and appearances in both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, his 151 caps rank third, trailing only behind legends Landon Donovan and Cobi Jones.
Bradley's last dance will be on the green turf of BMO Field this Saturday against Orlando City SC, symbolizing the end of an era for Toronto FC, which will unfortunately miss the playoffs for the third consecutive season. As Bradley hangs up his boots, the soccer community will remember one of the best USMNT midfielders to make his mark in Europe.