DaMarcus Beasley has called time on his illustrious career with the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) after 13 years since his debut.
Beasley, 32, who had an injury-blighted loan stint at English club Manchester City during the 2006-07 Premier League season, represented the United States at a record four Fifa World Cups, namely: 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014.
His 121 caps are the fifth most of any USA player and his 17 international goals sees him occupy 9th position on America’s scoring list.
Beasley, who spent most of his career as a winger, was converted to left-back position ahead of the 2014 World Cup where he played every minute of the USMNT’s run to the second round in Brazil.
His retirement comes as a surprise after telling reporters in July he wasn’t planning on retiring “anytime soon.
“Where do I start? Honestly I never thought this day would come, representing my country has been the greatest thing I’ve done in my career,” Beasley wrote on his Instagram account.
“Every time I’ve pulled on our colors I tried to represent myself, my family and my country with the utmost respect(and obviously tried to win).
With that being said, I have officially retired from the U.S. Nat’l team. I’ve been blessed to be a part of the United States Soccer Federation family for 17 yrs.”
Beasley had featured for the likes of PSV Eindhoven, Glasgow Rangers, Hannover, Puebla and Chicago Fire before returning to the Major League Soccer in 2014 with the Houston Dynamo.
“I have so many memories from when I started with the U-15 nat’l team all the way to the men’s team,” Beasley, who won four CONCACAF Gold Cup titles with the US, said.
“I’ve met so many great people along the way I wouldn’t know where to start. To all my coaches and teammates, I just want to say thank you, thank you for making me the player I am and the man I will be in the future.
“And lastly I want to thank all the fans that have supported me and the U.S. Team, without you guys we wouldn’t be where we are today! Thank you all!!!”
