Ramon Ramirez´s dream was clear from the beginning. At the tender age of 10 he saw his first professional soccer game, a match between Cruz Azul and America. From that moment on, he dreamed of making a career out of the sport he loved.
For almost 17 years, the Nayarit, Mexico native lived his dream to the fullest. Jesus Ramon Ramirez Cecena played with five clubs and in two World Cups during his prolific career, which came to an end this Saturday at The Home Depot Center with the news of his retirement.
Ramirez, the first-ever captain in the history of Chivas USA, bid farewell to the game two hours before the Red-and-White's game against FC Dallas.
The 37 year-old former midfielder made his announcement accompanied by Antonio Cue, President and co-owner of Chivas USA, Nestor de la Torre, Vice President of Chivas de Guadalajara, his wife and two children, as well as teammates from both the American and Mexican Chivas clubs.
"After a difficult year, including a knee injury and several attempts to -- during the preseason -- to return to form for one last time, after much soul searching I've made the decision to retire officially," Ramirez declared. "This is the announcement I wanted to release today."
The decision to call it quits wasn't a difficult one, according to Ramirez. After several failed attempts at making a comeback, it was obvious that his knee had simply given up on him.
Ramirez began his career in 1990 with Mexican side Santos de Torreon. He also played for Chivas de Guadalajara, America, Tigres and, finally, Chivas USA. He participated in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups.
"To mention the name Ramon Ramirez is to reference one of Mexico's greatest soccer players of recent years," claimed de la Torre, who also announced an official farewell game to take place in Guadalajara's Jalisco Stadium.
"Ramon Ramirez was a '90s icon for this club," de la Torre said. "We are very sad that his career has come to an end. During the nearly 10 years that he was with Chivas, Ramon always represented the team colors with honor, dedication, humility and a great sense of camaraderie."
Ramirez was a member of the Chivas side that won the Mexican Verano championship in 1997. During the press conference, a highlight video featuring footage of Ramirez's greatest moments was shown and culminated with one of his most memorable goals with Chivas de Guadalajara. His son, Rodrigo, unfamiliar with much of his father's exploits on the pitch, could only exclaim, "wow!"
"I'm going to keep that video," the former player promised. "It's the only thing that I can show my children. My son saw only a small part of my career and over time he'll be able to see that I was an OK player."
According to Francisco Mendoza, Ramirez' career was a lot better than "OK."
"He was always the leader on the field," said Mendoza, who played alongside Ramirez in Chivas USA's inaugural season. "I learned a great deal from him. He'll always be my idol and role model."
Ramirez and his family will remain in the Los Angeles area. Cue and de la Torre have made clear the organization's door will always be open should Ramirez choose to stay on board in another capacity.
However, for the time being, Ramirez will work as an ambassador for MLS and Soccer United Marketing (SUM).
In a career filled with highlights, Ramirez remembered one particular moment as his most cherished. The date was Sept. 28, 1990, his professional debut with Santos against Pumas, a game his side would end up losing 1-0. The final score was and to this day remains irrelevant.
"My debut was the greatest moment of my career. It was the moment when my dream of becoming a professional soccer player came true."
Jaime Cardenas is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
