US international defender Steve Cherundolo retired earlier this week. (Zimbio.com)
Most of the buzz surrounding the United States men's national team this week surrounded the announcement that young Bayern Munich player Julian Green has decided to switch federations and play for the USA. That is certainly newsworthy, but another bit of news crossed the wire that was of interest to seasoned fans as well. Wednesday evening, USMNT and Hannover 96 defender Steve Cherundolo announced that he was retiring from professional football due to a knee injury.
It's kind of sad news as Cherundolo has been a fixture on the US back line for quite awhile. He earned his first cap for the USA in 1999 against Jamaica. He then went on to participate in multiple CONCACAF Gold Cups for the USA, winning the trophy in 2005 and wearing the captain's armband in the 2009 edition. He also competed in two FIFA World Cups for the USA, in Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010. He scored two goals for his country as he compiled 87 caps overall.
Cherundolo is also fairly unique because he's one of the few American players to have spent his entire playing career in Europe. After two years at the University of Portland, "Dolo" went to Germany and signed on with Hannover 96, who were in the German second division at the time. In 2001-2002 Hannover won the league and was promoted to the Bundesliga. Cherundolo eventually ascended to captain of the side, making 423 appearances in all competitions and scoring 8 goals. He also earned the nickname: "The Mayor of Hannover." At his press conference, Cherundolo confirmed that he will remain Europe as an assistant coach for Hannover's U-23 team.
Personally I would like to congratulate him on a fantastic career for club and country. He was certainly a great player and person to represent our country and even wear the armband. It's unfortunate that he ended up missing a couple of big international tournaments due to injury. Though I never really got to see him in action for Hannover, I always enjoyed watching him play for the national side. Thank you, "Dolo" for all you have given to US Soccer and to the beautiful game as a whole, and good luck in your future endeavors.
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