 January 29, 2010 -- Steve Ralston, New England Revolution midfielder for eight seasons and current team captain, has decided not to return to the team for the 2010 season, the team confirmed Friday.
Ralston, 35, and the Revs were in discussions over a new contract that would have replaced the pact that expired at the end of the 2009 season. Ralston informed the Revs on Thursday night that he did not plan to sign a new contract.
The move ends Ralston’s eight-year tenure with the Revolution, though he is expected to consider other potential playing options as he continues to recover from a knee injury.
The former U.S. international midfielder suffered a season-ending right ACL tear in August and wasn’t expected to be ready to take the field until midseason.
Ralston is Major League Soccer's career leader in assists with 135, appearances (378), starts (372) and minutes (33,143), and he played in all four of the Revolution's MLS Cup games. The seven-time all-star was sidelined in 2009 by a torn ACL in his knee.
Ralston has 36 appearances on the US national team.
The team released this statement on Ralston:
“Steve Ralston has been a tremendous player, leader and ambassador for the New England Revolution since he arrived in 2002. In eight years with us, Steve has been a central figure in lifting the team to new heights of success," the team said in a statement released to the media Friday. "While we wish we were welcoming him back on Monday when the rest of the team arrives for the start of preseason, we want to thank Steve for all of his contributions and effort on our behalf – both on the field and off the field – and wish him and his family nothing but the best in all of his future endeavors."
|
