U.S. legend Clint Dempsey announces retirement

United States veteran Clint Dempsey announced on Wednesday he is calling time on his storied 15-year professional career.

The 35-year-old Seattle Sounders star expressed his gratitude to U.S. fans and supporters of his current and previous clubs in a statement on the Sounders' website.

"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. "I'd like to thank all of the teammates, coaches, and support staff that I've worked with throughout my career. It has always been my dream to make it as a pro. I'm grateful to have been on this ride. I would like to thank all of the fans who have supported me throughout my career with the New England Revolution, Fulham, Tottenham, Seattle Sounders, and the U.S. Men’s National Team. Y'all have always made me feel at home, and it is something that I will always remember."

Dempsey's international career ended on a sour note when, as a half-time substitute, he was unable to prevent the 2-1 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago which knocked the U.S. out of 2018 World Cup qualifying. However, that was his 141st cap for the U.S. - only Landon Donovan and record-holder Cobi Jones managed more with the USMNT.

His 57 international goals make him his country's joint-highest scorer of all time alongside Donovan, although he amassed the total in 16 fewer appearances than his compatriot. Dempsey also stands alone as the only American player to score in three World Cups.

His club career has ended after a five-year spell in Washington state, during which he helped the Sounders win the 2014 Supporters' Shield and 2016 MLS Cup. The four-time MLS All-Star had begun his pro career with the Revolution back in 2004, being named Rookie of the Year at the end of his first campaign.

Outside North America, he is best known for a five-and-a-half-year stint with Fulham, for whom he played over 200 games and became a fan favorite for his enterprising performances and committed attitude.

His most notable moment in England arguably came in the 2009-10 season as Dempsey scored one of the most famous goals in the club's history, netting a stunning chip from outside the box to seal a remarkable comeback win against Juventus in the Europa League last-16 on the Cottagers' magical run to a first-ever major continental final.

It was at Fulham that he also became the first - and still only - American to score a Premier League hat-trick when he netted a treble against Newcastle United in 2012. His 72 English top-flight strikes are the highest total recorded by a U.S. player in a top European league.

The three-time U.S. Soccer Player of the Year also spent a season at Tottenham, scoring 12 times in 43 games before returning to MLS with Seattle in 2013.

A tribute on the Sounders' website reads: "Thank you for the World Cup heroics and inspiring hope to millions. Thank you for coming back and making Seattle your home. Thank you for the hat tricks and headers, salutes and celebrations. Thank you, Deuce."