After suffering a torn ligament on June 7, Vancouver Whitecaps captain Jay DeMerit has decided to hang up his cleats. At 34 years young, a lengthy rehabilitation appeared to be out of question for the club's first-ever signing.
In a lengthy letter to the fans, DeMerit expressed his gratitude.
"Today, I announce the end of my career as a professional soccer player," he said (via the club's official website). "I've had the privilege of wearing the Red, White, and Blue of the U.S. Men's National Team for five years, in 26 games. I got to be part of the group that snapped Spain's win streak in 2009, before playing in the USMNT's first-ever world tournament final against Brazil in the Confederations Cup. At the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, I got to stand on the halfway line with my hand on my heart, singing my national anthem as one of 11 starters chosen to represent my country against England, Slovenia, Algeria and Ghana."
When discussing the ultimate reason for his retirement, DeMerit added: "Six weeks ago, I ruptured a second tendon in my ankle in a 15-month timespan and things aren't looking good. Last year, I battled back from an achilles rupture in fewer than six months, proving doubters and naysayers wrong once again, like I have time and time again from the moment I stepped on that plane 11 years ago. But this new injury is proving to be too much to come back from."
With his retirement, DeMerit is expected to transition to a new role, serving as an ambassador for the club he called home.
"I look forward to my new role as an ambassador for Vancouver Whitecaps FC and for the sport of soccer in general. The quest has always been to challenge myself, and people in general, to chase their dreams and achieve the impossible. Together with the club and some new adventures of my own, I am excited to continue to spread that message."
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