The Irish legend has “one last major challenge in club football”.
Robbie Keane will be leaving the LA Galaxy after guiding them to three MLS Cup victories and most importantly, doing what he does best, scoring goals.
During his time in the US, Ireland’s record goalscorer hit the back of the net 92 times, provided 51 assist and scored four hat-tricks during his six seasons with the club.
Bargain.
👑👑👑
The best of Robbie Keane's stunning tenure with the #LAGalaxy. #ThankYouKeano pic.twitter.com/wn6X2wcIOC
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) November 17, 2016
In addition to earning MLS MVP in 2014, he was named the LA Galaxy Player of the Year for four-straight seasons (2012-2015). This year, Keane became the fastest player in MLS history to score 100 goals in all competitions.
In a very classy open letter, Keane wanted to thank all those that made his stint in the MLS a wildly successful one. He also stated that “Having now retired from international football I am ready to focus everything I have on one last major challenge in club football and will be taking time out to consider my options before announcing my next move”. We will wait and see.
Keane will undoubtedly leave the MLS with a strong argument to be made that he was the best signing that the league has ever made.
Here’s how he announced his decision to leave;
LA Galaxy Supporters,
I can confirm that after five fantastic years I will be leaving the LA Galaxy. 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.
However, I believe that now is the right time for a new challenge as I look towards the next chapter of my playing career. I still feel as fit and sharp as ever and I am looking forward to my next adventure. Having now retired from international football I am ready to focus everything I have on one last major challenge in club football and will be taking time out to consider my options before announcing my next move.
I would like to thank everyone at the Galaxy including the board, manager and all of my teammates for their incredible support during my time in LA. Finally, I would like to thank the most important people at the club: the fans. Thank you for welcoming me as one of your own and for helping to make LA such a special place for both me and my family.
The city has become my second home and I will never forget the unbelievable backing you’ve given me during my time at the Galaxy. The great times we have shared will stay with me forever. I look forward to watching the club continue to grow and progress in the coming years. It’s been an honour to captain your team and I am so proud of everything we have achieved together. Thank you for everything.
Thanks,
Robbie Keane
Since the news was announced, plenty of people have been quick to express their support, praise and admiration for the Irish icon. There’s only one Robbie Keane.
Keano, Keano!
Robbie Keane is the best designated player the MLS has ever signed.
— Matt Reis (@MatthewJReis) November 18, 2016
The best of Robbie Keane in MLS. #ThankYouKeano https://t.co/Fw87R6eByc
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 17, 2016
Not everyone treats MLS with respect but Robbie Keane always did. His commitment and effort every season was pure class. #ThankYouKeano
— Brandon Cole (@BrandonWCole) November 18, 2016
https://twitter.com/Iagalaxy/status/799412981171830784
Thank you for everything Robbie, you were truly one of the greatest to ever wear the blue white and gold #ThankYouKeano
— CC (@trancepants121) November 17, 2016
https://twitter.com/jamsieboy86/status/799445965144866816
