Chicago Fire forward Brian McBride will retire at the end of the 2010 season, he announced on Friday. McBride has been a member of the Fire since the 2008 season, joining them after four seasons with Fulham in the English Premier League. The 38-year-old retired from the United States National Team following the 2006 World Cup. He finished his international duty with 96 caps, 30 goals, and appearances in three World Cups. In the '02 World Cup, he scored the game winning goal against Portugal in the group stage and against Mexico in the round of 16. in 2008, he returned to international soccer as a member of the US Olympic soccer team.
“Brian is one of the cornerstones of American soccer,” Fire technical director Frank Klopas said in a press release. “Since joining the Fire, and returning to Chicago, he has shown the characteristics that have made him a success on every level of soccer in this country. He is a consummate professional and embodies everything that is good in the game," Klopas said. "His leadership, everlasting commitment and work ethic on the field are parallel to his impact off of it. We wish Brian and his family the best of luck as he takes this next step in life.”
