After a 19-year professional career, U.S. men’s national team and MLS legend Michael Bradley is set to hang up his playing boots at the end of the 2023 season.
Bradley announced his retirement news on Tuesday ahead of Toronto FC’s final match of the campaign. The 36-year-old joined TFC in January 2014 and will go down as one of the best players in club history.
“On January 13, 2014, I sat at a press conference and said that I had never been ‘more excited, more determined, and more motivated for any challenge in my entire career.’ I meant every single word,” said Bradley. “For the last 10 years I have spilled my blood, sweat and tears trying to help this club be the best it could be.
“There were some incredible days, moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life, and some bad ones too,” he added. “But I never stopped giving everything I had. Thank you to all my teammates, coaches, and everyone inside the club. Thank you to the fans for the unforgettable nights at BMO Field. This city and this club will always be home.”
Bradley led TFC to five MLS Cup playoff berths, one MLS Cup title, three Eastern Conference Championships, one Supporters’ Shield, and four Canadian Championships. He recently made his 300th appearance for TFC across all competitions back in August. He is the only TFC player who has played every minute of every MLS Cup Playoff game in club history.
“Over the past decade with Toronto FC, Michael Bradley has become a club legend,” said Toronto FC President Bill Manning. “As Captain in over 300 games, Michael has raised many trophies along the way and has represented this club in the best possible way. His accomplishments with TFC will live on forever and all of us at the club thank him for the memories.”
Bradley’s professional career began in 2004 after he was 36th overall in the MLS Draft by the MetroStars. After two seasons in MLS, Bradley embarked to Europe, later featuring for Dutch side Heerenveen, Bundesliga club Borussia Moenchengladbach, and Italian sides Chievo Verona and AS Roma.
On the international level, Bradley debuted for the USMNT in 2006 and proceeded to deliver one of the best careers in program history. Bradley scored 17 goals in 151 caps for the USMNT, winning two Concacaf Gold Cups and featuring in two FIFA World Cups (2010, 2014).
Bradley’s final MLS match will come on Sunday as TFC hosts Orlando City at BMO Field in its season finale.
You can say whatever about him, but one thing is for sure…..Michael Bradley is a true professional. What he lacked in skill and talent he made up for with hard work and dedication. Thank you for your undying effort and work ethic. I hope you get involved with USMNT in some way shape or form, to pass down those values during the next chapter of your career.
Congrats
Bradley still hasn’t been replaced on the USMNT. Tyler Adams is the closest thing and could surpass MB90s accomplishments but is always hurt. Watching the Roma teams Bradley played for were so entertaining. They didn’t belong in the usual snoozefest Serie A. And those TFC teams with him, Altidore and Giovinco were some of the most entertaining teams ever in MLS. Of course the audacious chip in Azteca over Ochoa…..What a great player!
Will Trapp was suppose to be Michael Bradley replacement under Berhalther, but Trapp eventually showed he couldn’t hang at international level and was not good enough.
The last of the MetroStars.
Best of luck!
He’s only retiring because of his dad!
Great career. great USMNT player. Best of luck in your future endeavors.
Perfect comment!