The greatest American soccer player to ever grace a pitch is stepping away after his 14^th league season. Landon Donovan is the name most synonymous with the MLS, and although the league is not respected around the world, Donovan did everything in his power to change that. Donovan was a part of three World Cup teams that helped raise America out of the amateur category and into a team worth watching.

After winning his second MLS All-Star Game MVP on Tuesday, Donovan took to social media to announce his departure from the game that he loves so dearly:

After careful deliberation and after many conversations with those closest to me, I have decided that this will be my last season as a professional soccer player... I feel incredibly blessed and lucky to have played a role in the remarkable growth of MLS and US Soccer during my playing career. And while my career as a player will soon be over, rest assured I will stay connected on many levels to the beautiful game.

Donovan's love for the sport will not lie dormant for long. He has established himself as one of the American soccer greats and surly there will be a slew of opportunities awaiting him on the sidelines. Whether this entails coaching or analyzing games from the broadcasters booth, Donovan is leaving his options open.

Earlier this year Donovan spoke with For the Win about his life after soccer. "I think in some capacity I want to coach. I'll certainly want to take some time to relax and get away from this world a little bit. Broadcasting has always seemed interesting to me, and enjoyable. I'm not exactly sure," he said. "But I'll try a lot of things."

As the MLS and World Cup scoring leader for America, Donovan still has a great deal of insight that he can share with players and fans. Donovan was never a striker, but his uncanny ability to always be in the right place at the right time added to his legend.

Donovan leaves the MLS with an amazing resume and legacy. Although coach Jürgen Klinsman left him off of the World Cup team, Donovan continued to be America's strongest supporter. Donovan brought class and tenacity to the MLS, a feat that will long be remembered and cherished.