Toronto FC Captain Michael Bradley announced he is retiring.
Bradley’s farewell match will take place at BMO Field this Saturday, October 21 at 6:00 pm when TFC’s captain leads the Reds out in his final MLS game against Orlando City SC.36 year old Michael Bradley is one of the most accomplished players in club history with a remarkable 19-year career that saw him play for seven top-division clubs in Europe and North America and a key player for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT).Michael Bradley joined Toronto FC in 2014 as a designated player and helped hoist the MLS CUP in 2017!
Michael said “On January 13, 2014, I sat at a press conference and said that I had never been ‘more excited, more determined, and more motivated for any challenge in my entire career.’ I meant every single word,” said Bradley. “For the last 10 years I have spilled my blood, sweat and tears trying to help this club be the best it could be. There were some incredible days – moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life – and some bad ones too. But I never stopped giving everything I had. Thank you to all my teammates, coaches, and everyone inside the club. Thank you to the fans for the unforgettable nights at BMO Field. This city and this club will always be home.”
Bradley became a mainstay for the Reds over the past ten seasons (2014-2023), leading TFC to five MLS Cup playoffs and to several of the club’s highest achievements, including one MLS Cup, one Supporters’ Shield, and four Canadian Championships. He recently made his 300th appearance for Toronto FC (across all competitions) when he started against Columbus Crew on August 26, 2023, becoming the second player in club history to make 300 appearances for Toronto FC. The midfielder was a key player in the Reds’ historic ‘Treble’ winning season, when the club captured the MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield, and Canadian Championship in 2017, becoming the first team in MLS history to win three domestic trophies in the same season.
In 10 seasons with the Reds, Bradley lifted nine trophies as the team’s captain including one MLS Cup (2017), three Eastern Conference Championships (2016, 2017, 2019), one Supporters’ Shield (2017) and four Canadian Championships (2016, 2017, 2018, 2020). Bradley has registered 19 goals through 308 appearances in all competitions and is the only TFC player who has played every minute of every MLS Cup Playoff game in club history.
Toronto FC President Bill Manning said “Over the past decade with Toronto FC, Michael Bradley has become a club legend. As Captain in over 300 games, Michael has raised many trophies along the way and has represented this club in the best possible way. His accomplishments with TFC will live on forever and all of us at the club thank him for the memories.” Toronto FC
Michael’s father Bob Bradley coached the US National Team as well as stints in France and Premier League and Chicago Fire LA FC , TFC and others in Major League Soccer.
Congratulations Michael on a great career and Thank You for your leadership and contribution to the beautiful game!
Enjoy your well deserved retirement as a player.
Featured Image from Instagram/TorontoFC
