Former Ireland captain Robbie Keane has announced he is to leave MLS side LA Galaxy.
The Dubliner joined the California side in 2011, in what was seen at the time as a very surprising move, when he was aged 31. He scored over 100 goals in his spell, where he was one of the best players in the league.
Joining from Tottenham, Keane followed David Beckham to Los Angeles, but overtook the English midfielder as one of the most important players in the history of the league. The 36-year-old won three MLS Cups in his time at the StubHub Center.
👑👑👑
The best of Robbie Keane's stunning tenure with the #LAGalaxy. #ThankYouKeano pic.twitter.com/wn6X2wcIOC
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) November 17, 2016
Keane's contract runs out at the end of the year, but he has confirmed he is not to retire, citing "one last major challenge in club football". The striker will leave LA Galaxy and potentially MLS as a club and league legend.
"It's been a privilege to have played my part in the history of such a great club and I leave with memories that will stay with me forever. Winning three MLS Cups, scoring over 100 goals for the club and being named as 2014 MVP are all achievements that I will look back on with pride, it's been an incredible experience, I've truly loved every minute of my time at LA Galaxy."
"It's been an honour to captain your team & I am so proud of everything we have achieved together. Thank you for everything.” #ThankYouKeano pic.twitter.com/MHg7rCiabV
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) November 18, 2016
News of Keane's departure comes in the same week that Steven Gerrard confirmed he is to leave the club. LA Galaxy has struggled in recent seasons, since their last MLS Cup triumph in 2014.
This season the team were eliminated by Colorado Rapids in the quarter-final equivalent, with the team losing in the previous round the year before.
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