Toronto FC Will Say Goodbye To Their Long Time Captain At Season End
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By Kaus Pandey
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Summary
- Michael Bradley informed Toronto FC fans that he will retire at the season end
- Toronto FC confirmed Bradley’s retirement and bid him farewell
- Toronto FC is going through changes under new head coach John Herdman
Toronto FC (TFC) have had a terrible season so far and currently sit languishing at the bottom of the points table. TFC are in 15th place with a record of 33 matches played, just 4 wins and 10 losses and 19 draws.
TFC are looking to make significant changes to their team and it started in late August when they appointed John Herdman as their new head coach. Herdman was the head coach of the Canadian National Team but stepped down to take up the role with TFC.
Herdman Could Have Pushed Bradley To Make Decision
Michael Bradley who took a voluntary paycut in May has been part of the TFC franchise for over 10 years and has captained the side for many years. He took to Instagram to confirm that he will retire at the end of the 2023 Major League Soccer (MLS) season.
His retirement does not come entirely as a surprise as the 36 year old was at the end of his career. He had to go in for hamstring surgery in May 2023 and was out of action for a number of weeks, making his return only in August. It appears that new coach Herdman wanted to take TFC in another direction with new leadership.
Last week, Herdman said that while he had a lot of respect for Bradley and his leadership, the TFC captain needed to make a decision and confirm if he was really committed to building TFC and playing with purpose going forward. Herdman’s comments could have very well pushed Bradley to make the decision to retire.
Michael Bradley To Retire At Season End
In a statement, Bradley said
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.
