Portland, OR (SportsNetwork.com) - Portland Timbers midfielder Steve Zakuani announced his retirement from professional soccer Wednesday, bringing an end to a six-year professional career in Major League Soccer.
The 26-year-old was the first-overall selection by Seattle Sounders FC in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. He appeared in 29 matches in each of his first two seasons in MLS, recording career-highs in goals (10) and assists (6) during the 2010 campaign.
Zakuani saw his 2011 season end prematurely after sustaining a broken tibia and fibula in his right leg against the Colorado Rapids on April 22, 2011, just seven games into the campaign.
The University of Akron product eventually recovered and joined the Timbers prior to the 2014 season, appearing in 17 league matches and producing three assists.
"This is hands down the toughest decision I've had to make in my life, but with all things taken into consideration, I have peace that it's the right one for me to make," Zakuani said. "Not being able to consistently perform at the high level I'm used to was tough to deal with mentally, and the constant physical pain I was under from week to week also took its toll. Rather than play through aches and pains for the next few years, I've chosen to go on with my life because as much as I love the sport, my health has to come first.
"There are many people I could thank for the role they've played in my career, and the time for that will come. Right now, I want to thank the two clubs that I played for - the Sounders and Timbers - for giving me the opportunity to represent them and live my dream. It was a tough year for me in Portland, but the organization treated me very well and gave me tremendous support through my injuries and my decision to retire."
