Robbie Keane and the LA Galaxy are parting ways.
The Galaxy announced on Thursday that the veteran striker will depart the club following the expiration of his contract at the end of the current season. The 2014 MLS MVP, Keane departs after leading LA to three MLS Cup titles while recording 92 goals, 51 assists, 26 game-winning goals, 18 game-winning assists, 21 multi-goal games and four hat tricks in his six seasons of MLS play.
“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,” said Keane in a statement. “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.”
Keane, 36, signed with the Galaxy as a Designated Player on Aug. 15, 2011 and helped the team capture that year's MLS Cup trophy in partnership with Landon Donovan and David Beckham. Keane scored 10 or more league goals in each of his seasons in Southern California and was named the LA Galaxy Player of the Year in four straight seasons (2012-2015). This year, Keane became the fastest player in MLS history to score 100 goals in all competitions.
“It is hard to put into words what Robbie Keane has meant to the LA Galaxy,” said LA Galaxy head coach and general manager Bruce Arena. “From day one, Keane has given everything to this team both on and off the field and has led our club to some of its greatest accomplishments. His resume and accomplishments speak for themselves; he has been the most successful international signing in this league’s history. We thank Robbie for everything he has given to this club and this city and we wish him the best in whatever comes next in his career.”
Prior to joining the Galaxy, Keane built a decorated career in Europe, where he scored over 150 goals for top clubs across England, Italy and Scotland, including Wolverhampton Wanderers, Coventry City, Inter Milan, Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Celtic and West Ham. Internationally, he scored a record 68 goals in 146 appearances over 18 years of service to the Republic of Ireland, making him Ireland’s all-time leading scorer.
