After all the speculation, Montreal Impact star forward Marco Di Vaio has made up his mind.
One of the most prolific goal scorers of his generation announced on Friday that he will be calling it quits at the end of the 2014 MLS season.
"After a 20-year career, I am pleased to announce that I will be retiring in Montreal as a member of the Impact," the 38-year-old Di Vaio said in a club statement. "I am very proud of what I've accomplished over two decades as a pro. It was a dream of mine to play at the highest level and I will look to make the best of my final month as a player."
The Impact, who have already been eliminated from playoff contention, have five regular season matches remaining on their 2014 regular season schedule. Only two of those games will be played at Stade Saputo in Montreal including the season finale on Saturday, October 25 against DC United (4 pm ET, MLS LIVE).
Di Vaio, a former Italian national team player (14 caps), arrived in Montreal as a Designated Player in May 2012 after a distinguished European career spent in Italy (142 goals in 342 matches with seven different clubs), Spain (Valencia) and France (Monaco).
During his three years in MLS, Di Vaio quickly became one of the most feared forwards in the league, scoring 31 goals in 72 regular season matches and departing as the Impact's all-time leading scorer. He claimed two trophies at the club, back-to-back Canadian championships, and also helped the team qualifying to next spring's CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals.
Di Vaio's best MLS season came in 2013 when he tallied 20 times in 33 matches to lead Montreal to their first-ever MLS Cup playoff appearance. His efforts that year also earned him All-Star status as well as a spot on the Best XI.
