After 21 years as a professional soccer player, legendary Mexican defender Claudio Suarez has decided to hang up his cleats. "El Emperador" ("The Emperor"), as he is known by his legions of fans, leaves Chivas USA after three years of dedicated service.
"I retire satisfied because I know that I always gave everything I had on the field," said Suarez.
The 40-year-old Suarez began his professional career in 1989 with Mexican Primera Division club Pumas UNAM. The young defender quickly started collecting accolades, the first of which was a league title with Pumas in 1990-1991. In 1996, he transferred to Chivas de Guadalajara where he would again win a Mexican title in 1997.
Suarez made his international debut against El Salvador in 1992 for the first of what would become 178 appearances for the Mexican national team. During his tenure with "El Tri," he appeared in three World Cups (1994, 1998, 2006), won three CONCACAF Gold Cups (1993, 1996, 1998) and took home the 1999 FIFA Federations Cup.
His mark of 178 international caps places him second on the all-time list, behind only Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Deayea.
Suarez was a fan favorite during his three years with Chivas USA, earning the 2008 Chivas Regal Award for the player who "best represents the spirit of Chivas USA." Often serving as club captain, he led the team to three playoff appearances (2006, 2007, 2008) and was twice named Chivas USA's defender of the year (2006, 2007).
"Claudio's a world-class player," said midfielder Sacha Kljestan. "It's tough to lose someone like that."
There had been indications throughout the offseason Suarez would retire, but with the MLS season beginning in less than two weeks, the club believed he would return for a fourth season with the Red-and-White.
"Chivas USA would like to thank Claudio Suárez for his years of service to the club, and to the sport of soccer as a whole," the club said in a statement. "Although we are sorry to hear of his retirement, we respect his decision. Claudio is a living legend of international soccer, and his presence on the field and in our locker room will not be easily replaced."
Beyond his contributions on the field, Suarez also served as a role model and leader for the largely Hispanic Chivas USA fanbase.
"Chivas USA has a lot of Mexican tradition," said Kljestan. "So that makes losing a big-name Mexican player like Claudio even tougher."
Far from stepping away from the sport of soccer completely, Suarez has a few plans for the future.
"I hope that I am able to have the same beautiful career as a head coach as I've had as a player," said Suarez.
The veteran also plans to continue playing semi-professionally in Los Angeles and hopes to one day start a soccer school for children with fellow former Chivas USA player Ramón Ramirez.
"It's a difficult moment for me," said Suarez, "But life continues. I'm thankful for all that soccer has brought me."
Jeffrey King is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
