One of the most prolific and successful strikers in MLS history called time on his 23-year professional career on Wednesday, as former LA Galaxy star Robbie Keane announced his retirement.
The longtime Republic of Ireland standout, who most recently played for ATK, the Indian Super League team formerly known as Atletico de Kolkata, will immediately transition into an assistant role on the Irish national team’s coaching staff.
“From Crumlin United around the world to the likes of Milan, London and Los Angeles, I could never have imagined the path my football life would take. It has exceeded all the hopes I had as a football-mad boy growing up in Dublin,” said Keane in a statement.
“Leaving home at 15 years of age to pursue my professional career in England seems a lifetime ago now. I was a street footballer full of hope armed with huge ambitions and a determination to succeed. All I needed was that one chance.”
The most-capped player in Ireland’s history, Keane joined the Galaxy in 2011 after stints at some of Europe's biggest clubs, including Inter Milan, Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic. Alongside fellow Designated Players David Beckham and Landon Donovan, he helped lead LA to one of the most dominant stretches MLS has ever seen, winning the 2011, 2012 and 2014 MLS Cups as well as the 2011 Supporters’ Shield.
Over six seasons in MLS, Keane scored 83 goals and 45 assists in 125 regular-season appearances (119 starts) as well as nine goals and six assists in 21 postseason games.
He was named to the MLS Best XI in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2015, won the league's MVP award in 2014 and capped the most recent of the Galaxy's league-leading five MLS Cup titles with an MVP performance in the 2014 final, a 2-1 extra-time win over the New England Revolution at StubHub Center.
Now Keane’s focus turns towards a new trade as he joins Mick McCarthy’s staff for his second stint in charge of the Irish national team.
"With the closing of one chapter comes an exciting new adventure. I am incredibly proud, honored and excited to now be working alongside Mick McCarthy, Terry Connor and the Irish international team over the next number of years,” said Keane in Wednesday’s announcement. “This is a role I have massive passion, energy and enthusiasm for and I hope to use my experiences to contribute towards a bright future in Irish football.”
