DC United midfielder John Thorrington has announced his retirement from professional soccer.
The 34-year old South African-born American has ended a 17-year career and will now focus his attention on Major League Soccer's Players Union where he will act as a Special Assistant to Executive Director Bob Foose.
"I'd like to thank my teammates, coaches, and the fans who have made this experience what it was. I feel very blessed to have had the privilege of playing for 17 years, and I could not have done it, nor would I have enjoyed it as much, were it not for their support," said Thorrington.
"Special thanks go to my wife Krista and my family, who have encouraged and inspired me through it all. I am grateful to the MLS Players Union and excited for this opportunity to help continue the development of the league in a new capacity."
Thorrington started his career when he joined Manchester United's youth academy in 1997 before moving to Germany's Bayer Leverkusen in 1999.
Two years after that, he returned to England to sign with Huddersfield Town where he remained until 2003 prior to a short stint at Grimsby Town.
2005 was the year he came back to the States, signing with Chicago Fire, before moving to Vancouver Whitecaps six seasons later. He left British Columbia to join DC in early 2013 where he stayed until announcing his retirement on Monday.
During his career, Thorrington made over 200 senior appearances at club level as well as representing the USA on four occasions.
