De Guzman announces retirement - CANADA
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Canada's all-time leader in international appearances and former captain Julian de Guzman has announced his retirement from international football.
In FIFA competitions, De Guzman played in four FIFA World Cup™ qualifying cycles and represented his country at the 2001 FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2001. He was the first Canadian to play in the Spanish La Liga when he joined Deportivo La Coruna in 2005. He set records with 89 appearances and 84 starts for the Canadian national team.
“I’m very honoured and thankful for such a great career and I’m proud to be Canadian,” said de Guzman at an official press conference at TD Place in Ottawa. “I’ve went through a lot, had to sacrifice everything to do what I love, but I don’t regret anything.
"I've dedicated my entire career to Canada. This is the love of my life."
Canada Soccer Association (CSA) President and President of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Victor Montagliani had this to say about de Guzman on the association's official website: "Julian de Guzman is a Canadian soccer trailblazer whose impact on the game will be felt well into the future. We would like to thank Julian for his hard work, perseverance and leadership over his 15-year career and wish him the best as he prepares for the next chapter of his career."
De Guzman will transition into coaching by joining United Soccer League side Ottawa Fury's staff in 2017.