LA Galaxy striker and longtime Canadian national team player Rob Friend announced his retirement on Wednesday following a career that spanned more than a decade and took him to four different countries as a professional.
Friend, 33, signed with the Galaxy last January and eventually appeared in 10 games with the club before he spent the latter half of the year dealing with concussion symptoms.
“I’m extremely grateful to have played the game I love for a living,” Friend said in a statement. “I have been fortunate enough to work with some outstanding teammates, coaches and clubs who have helped shape me on and off the field over the past 10 years. I will always be thankful for the experiences, relationships and opportunities the game itself has given me and am honored to finish my career as an MLS champion with the Galaxy.”
Friend was originally drafted by the Chicago Fire in 2003 MLS SuperDraft but instead signed with Moss FK in the Norwegian professional division. Friend scored 16 goals for Moss FK before transferring to Molde FK in Norway, where he went on to score 14 more goals from 2004-2006.
After a year in the Netherlands playing for SC Heerenveen, Friend signed with Borussia Monchengladbach for 2007 season, where he led the team in goals with 18 as his side finished first in Bundesliga 2 and was promoted to the first division. The forward spent two more years with Borussia, scoring 28 total goals during his time with the club.
Friend remained in Germany until 2014, where he had stints with Hertha BSC, Eintracht Frankfurt and TSV 1860 Munchen.
Friend also represented the Canadian national team, finishing his career with over 30 caps and two goals for his country. He made his debut with the senior team in 2003 during a friendly against the United States.
