Robbie Keane follows Steven Gerrard out of LA Galaxy exit after penning heartfelt open letter to fans
Irish striker described Los Angeles as his second home after bringing his spell with the Galaxy to an end
ROBBIE KEANE has confirmed he is leaving LA Galaxy - by telling fans in an open letter that he wants to find one more big challenge after 'five fantastic years'.
The former Spurs and Ireland striker, 36, described Los Angeles as his second home and added: "I still feel as fit and sharp as ever and I am looking forward to my next adventure."
The ex-Wolves, Inter Milan and Leeds star has arguably been British football's most successful import to Major League Soccer.
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He will leaving LA along with his ex-Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard, whose two seasons in America have been more mixed.
But while Gerrard has already been linked with Celtic and Newcastle, as well as the manager's job at MK Dons, Keane admits his future plans are wide open.
He said: "Having now retired from international football I am ready to focus everything I have on one last major challenge in club football and will be taking time out to consider my options before announcing my next move."
And Keane told supporters directly: "Thank you for welcoming me as one of your own and for helping to make LA such a special place for both me and my family.
Robbie's full message
LA Galaxy Supporters,
I can confirm that after five fantastic years I will be leaving the LA Galaxy. It's been a privilege to have played my part in the history of such a great club and I leave with memories that will stay with me forever. Winning three MLS Cups, scoring over 100 goals for the club and being named as 2014 MVP are all achievements that I will look back on with pride, it's been an incredible experience, I've truly loved every minute of my time at LA Galaxy.
However, I believe that now is the right time for a new challenge as I look towards the next chapter of my playing career. I still feel as fit and sharp as ever and I am looking forward to my next adventure. Having now retired from international football I am ready to focus everything I have on one last major challenge in club football and will be taking time out to consider my options before announcing my next move.
I would like to thank everyone at the Galaxy including the board, manager and all of my teammates for their incredible support during my time in LA. Finally, I would like to thank the most important people at the club: the fans. Thank you for welcoming me as one of your own and for helping to make LA such a special place for both me and my family.
The city has become my second home and I will never forget the unbelievable backing you've given me during my time at the Galaxy. The great times we have shared will stay with me forever. I look forward to watching the club continue to grow and progress in the coming years. It's been an honour to captain your team and I am so proud of everything we have achieved together. Thank you for everything.
Thanks,
Robbie Keane
