Topics: MLS, Seattle Sounders, USMNT, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan
The 35-year-old footballer spent the last six seasons of his career playing for Seattle Sounders, where he won an MLS Cup in 2016.

Football fans in the U.S. will no longer be able to watch Clint Dempsey in action, as the former Fulham and Tottenham footballer has called it quits from the beautiful game.

In a press release issued today, the footballer shared his reasons to end a long and prosperous career.

After a lot of thought, my family and I have decided that this is the right time for me to step away from the game. I'd like to thank all of the teammates, coaches and support staff that I've worked with throughout my career. It has always been my dream to make it as a pro. I'm grateful to have been on this ride," Dempsey said.

The fiery-tempered footballer will call it quits after a 14-year spell on the pitch. Dempsey will retire after spending seven years in the English Premier League with Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur, where he managed to become the top scoring American footballer in any top tier European league with 72 goals. He retires as Fulham's all-time top scorer in Premier League play.

Dempsey retires as the USMNT's joint all-time top scorer with 57 goals, an honor he shares with former team-mate Landon Donovan. Dempsey accomplished that feat in 141 games, that's 17 less than those Donovan played to reach that milestone.

The American striker led Fulham in their historic 2009-10 UEFA Europa League run, which ended with them losing the final match against Atlético Madrid. 

The player's retirement sparked a number of tributes from former teams and colleagues.