Chris Wondolowski reflects on career after MLS retirement

After announcing his retirement following the San Jose Earthquakes’ 1-1 Decision Day draw with FC Dallas, Chris Wondolowski gave a closing press conference to reflect on his time as a member of the club Tuesday,

As Wondolowski transitions from player to his new role as special assistant to the general manager with the Quakes, the MLS all-time leading goalscorer expressed his satisfaction after his 17 seasons in the league.

“I love everything that came about. There were no regrets,” Wondolowski said. “People always wondered if I could go to Europe, and you always wonder what ifs, but I’m grateful for the opportunities.”

Wondolowski expressed his gratitude to the team he spent 13 seasons with, and for playing in his native Bay Area of California.

“I got to play for my hometown, I got to raise my kids here,” Wondolowski said. “No regrets, at all. I love that.”

The 39-year-old forward made his retirement official Sunday, but that decision was not made overnight. Wondolowski said that retirement was something he mulled over for two years before finally deciding that Sunday would be his final appearance.

Wondolowski knew that he had given his all to the game, and that after a season that saw his lowest goal scoring total since 2009, it was finally time to hang up his cleats.

“It was a bit fast. I always knew retirement was there. There was always that elephant in the room,” Wondolowski said.

“It was something that was on my mind, even throughout last year. I always wondered and tried to make sure I could fit in and help the team in any way possible. I think it was just coming to that realization that this is a great time. It’s clean cut. I think that I gave everything I could and that was it.”

His final appearance for San Jose came Sunday, and for the 171st time in his career and 166th time in an Earthquakes uniform, Wondolowski scored a goal, a fitting end to the career of the league’s all-time leading scorer.

While Wondolowski’s 17-year playing career has come to an end, the legendary forward is excited for the future of an Earthquakes franchise that he helped shape.

“I’m looking forward to what the future holds, especially with this club,” Wondolowski said. “I love the decisions and the idea of where the future is going, and that is something that excites me and why I still want to be a part of this club. It’s a part of me.”