DaMarcus Beasley retires from US men's national team

DaMarcus Beasley has brought to an end an international career that has taken in four World Cups, 121 caps and 17 goals.

“Honestly I never thought this day would come, representing my country has been the greatest thing I’ve done in my career,” said Beasley in a post on his Instagram account. To all my coaches and teammates, I just want to say thank you, thank you for making me the player I am and the man I will be in the future. I will never forget all the games, friendships, memories we all shared.”

Beasley is the only USA player to have appeared at four World Cups, and has also scored more goals in the Champions League than any other American. Beasley will continue to play at club level for Houston Dynamo, and at 32 will still believe he has a few more seasons left before he retires.

Beasley’s first World Cup came in Japan and South Korea, when he was just 20. USA reached the quarter-finals of that tournament before going out to the eventual runners-up, Germany. After that fans got to see him play at World Cups in Germany, South Africa and Brazil. Beasley paid tribute to those supporters on Instagram.

“I want to thank all the fans that have supported me and the US Team, without you guys we wouldn’t be where we are today! Thank you all!!!,” he wrote.

After a strong start to his European career at PSV Eindhoven, Beasley found it hard to settle at Rangers, Manchester City and Hannover. He dropped out of international contention until 2011 when he resurrected his career in Mexico for Puebla. His form there helped to propel him back into the US men’s national team and he enjoyed a fine World Cup earlier this year. It was a fitting swansong for one of USA’s greatest internationals.