Columbus Crew defender Robin Fraser on Wednesday announced his decision to hang up his cleats before a standing-room-only crowd at the club's Fan Forum at Columbus Crew Stadium.
"After 16 long years of playing professionally, I have decided that it is time to retire," said Fraser. "While it is hard to leave, I leave with such wonderful memories that it is somewhat bittersweet. I've been fortunate to play for a lot longer than most, and certainly longer than most would have thought I would have, including me."
The 10-year MLS veteran played five seasons in Los Angeles and three in Colorado before joining the Crew in 2004.
"I have really enjoyed my two years in Columbus," said Fraser at Wednesday's event in the Huntington Club at Crew Stadium. "From the beginning, I felt welcome here."
Fraser plans to remain in Columbus with his wife, Ashley, and daughter, Danielle, to pursue other opportunities.
Although he only played for the Crew at the end of his career, he was my no means in the twilight of it.
"It's amazing because at 38 years old, he still has another strong year left in him," said Crew general manager Mark McCullers.
The only defender to be named MLS Best XI five times made the decision just one season after winning his second MLS Defender of the Year award, when he captained the Crew to the Supporters' Shield.
Fraser has been one of the greatest defenders in MLS history and the Crew will sorely miss his presence not only on the field, but also off the field.
"What he brings into the clubhouse is invaluable," said McCullers.
While the Crew will need to fill his spot in the center of defense, there should not be a leadership void as the man that gave Fraser's introduction Wednesday evening, Simon Elliot, should seamlessly slide into the captain's armband.
If there is any silver lining in Fraser's retirement for the Crew, it lies in the fact the Black & Gold have the full offseason to look at potential additions to the roster.
"It frees up some salary cap space, so we have some flexibility to do things," said McCullers.
John Kuhn is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
