( CNN ) -- Landon Donovan , arguably the greatest American soccer player of all time , has announced his retirement from the game . The 32-year old LA Galaxy striker , who was also the U.S. national team 's all time top scorer , made the announcement after scoring the winning goal in the MLS All Stars match against Bayern Munich Wednesday . `` After careful deliberation and after many conversations with those closest to me , I have decided that this will be my last season as a professional soccer player , '' Donovan wrote in a statement published on the LA Galaxy 's official website . `` I feel incredibly blessed and lucky to have played a role in the remarkable growth of MLS and US Soccer during my playing career . And while my career as a player will soon be over , rest assured I will stay connected on many levels to the beautiful game . '' Donovan had become one of the most recognizable U.S. soccer stars outside of his home country . In England he became something of a cult figure after two successful loan spells at Premier League side Everton . But it was for a string of incredible performances for the U.S. national team , and for his partnership with David Beckham whilst both men were at LA Galaxy , that he will be most fondly remembered . He played at both the 2006 and 2010 World Cup finals . Whilst every fan will have a favorite moment , be it winning the Gold Cup or scoring against Brazil in the Confederations Cup , It was his last-minute goal in the 2010 finals against Algeria that perhaps best defines his career . Not only did it take the U.S. into the second round , more importantly , it improbably won them the group ahead of England . Despite hopes he would shine for the US team in Brazil this summer , he was a shock omission from coach Jurgen Klinsmann 's squad . But , paying tribute to the MLS ' all time top scorer , US Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati hailed Donovan 's contribution to the game 's rise in the U.S. `` When the story of the growth of US Soccer is told , Landon Donovan will be one of the central figures , '' he said . `` Landon achieved unprecedented success as he emerged as the face of US Soccer , and helped bring the game to another level . Donovan himself gave no hint as to his plans in retirement other than helping soccer to continue to put down roots in the U.S. `` As we enter a transformative time for the sport , I will do everything I can to help the continued growth of soccer in the United States , '' he said . `` I look forward to making a difference , pursuing my passions and meeting all of you along the way in this next phase of my life . ''
Landon Donovan has retired from professional soccer . He announced the move on the LA Galaxy website . This will be his final season . Comment: