Clyde Simms has officially announced his retirement from professional soccer following a nine-year MLS career.
The 31-year old midfielder has closed the door on his playing days after spending the past two seasons with New England Revolution and the previous seven with DC United.
"I've never really talked about this because I always chose the mind over matter approach, but my health has gotten to a point where I can no longer do that," said Simms, who represented the USA on one occasion.
"When I was a freshman in high school, we discovered that I suffered from Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), the same kidney disease as Alonzo Mourning.
"When I started playing with D.C., my kidney function was around 50 percent, and the last three years of my career, it has gotten down to about 20 percent.
"I fell in love with this sport at a young age and was determined not to let anything stop me. Unfortunately, for the past 10 years I have been dealing with kidney disease and it has become too tough for me to compete at this level anymore.
"I made sure for as long as I could I would still fight for my dream, my passion. I was very lucky to have had such a great run, but now it's time to fight another battle.
"Thank you to all the fans, teammates, and coaches that supported me and helped me along my journey. To the Richmond Kickers, D.C. United and the New England Revolution, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your families. I will always be a fan. And to my family and people closest to me, thank you for allowing me to follow my dream."
