LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Thursday Nov. 17, 2016) – The LA Galaxy announced today that forward Robbie Keane will depart from the club following the expiration of his contract at the end of the year. Keane departs after leading the LA Galaxy to three MLS Cup victories while recording 92 goals, 51 assists, 26 game-winning goals, 18 game-winning assists, 21 multi-goal games and four hat tricks in Major League Soccer during his six seasons with the club.
Click here to read an open letter from Robbie Keane
"I can confirm that after five fantastic years I will be leaving the LA Galaxy”, said Keane. “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.”
“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.”
Keane, 36, signed with the Galaxy on Aug. 15, 2011, and scored in his debut match that month against the San Jose Earthquakes before helping the team capture the 2011 MLS Cup title. Keane scored 10 or more goals in Major League Soccer in each season with the Galaxy, again winning MLS Cup titles in 2012 and 2014, in addition to earning MLS MVP in 2014. He 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.
Prior to joining the LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer, Keane had a decorated career in Europe where he played for various teams across England, Italy and Scotland, including Wolverhampton Wanderers, Coventry City, Inter Milan, Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Celtic and West Ham, amassing over 150 goals. His longest stint was with Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, where he scored 80 goals from 2002-2008 during his time with the club.
Internationally, Robbie Keane scored a record 68 goals in 146 appearances over the span of 18 years for the Republic of Ireland, making him Ireland’s all-time leading scorer. His 68 goals internationally make him the 15th-leading goal scorer in international history.
LA Galaxy Season Ticket Memberships for the 2017 MLS season are available for purchase now. Season Ticket Members and Galaxy fans can go towww.lagalaxy.com/tickets/seasontickets to secure their 2017 LA Galaxy Season Ticket package.
