Tim Ream calls time on USMNT career after 16 years
US men's national team captain Tim Ream has announced his retirement from international soccer after 86 caps and 16 years, honoured before the friendly against Chile in his hometown of St. Louis.
United States men’s national team captain Tim Ream has retired from international soccer, announcing the decision on Tuesday ahead of a ceremony honouring his career before the US friendly against Chile at Energizer Park in his hometown of St. Louis.
“That’s it for me. I’m proud of being part of something for 16 years, but it is time to step away from the national team,” the 38-year-old centre-back told reporters, according to USA Today.
Ream earned 86 caps for the Stars and Stripes after debuting in 2010, with 60 of them coming after his 30th birthday. “I’ve said in the past that I won’t retire from the national team until I retire completely from the game, but the kids are getting younger and younger, and I don’t mean my own kids,” he added, according to Goal.
He captained the United States at this summer’s home World Cup, starting four of five matches as the co-hosts reached the Round of 16 before losing to Belgium on 6 July in Seattle. He also played at the 2022 World Cup and helped the Americans win CONCACAF Nations League titles.
US head coach Mauricio Pochettino paid tribute to his captain: “I think he was humble enough. He was always defending his team, the teammates, but always with empathy for [the coaching staff] and helping in every single decision.”
Ream, who plays for Charlotte FC in MLS, now hands over the armband after 86 caps for his country.
More on this topic: all Sport stories