Colorado Rapids striker Kevin Doyle has announced his retirement as a player Thursday at the age of 34, citing recurring concussion issues.
“Two concussions this season and numerous others over the years have made this more concerning,” said said Doyle in a statement.
“After consulting with experts in this field, it has been decided that to avoid the possibility of these symptoms becoming more serious and permanent, I will be hanging my boots up for good.”
Doyle wraps up a three-year run with the Colorado Rapids, appearing in 71 matches and totaling 16 goals, and being the third Designated Player in the club’s history. He also has stints in Queen’s Park Ranges and Crystal Palace during his 16-year career.
The 34-year-old also represented Ireland 64 times and scoring 14 goals, including being part of the squad for UEFA Euro 2012, and being named Ireland’s Young Player of the Year in 2006 and Irish FA Player of the Year in 2009.