Bogota (Colombia), Apr 14: Famed Colombian soccer player Carlos Valderrama, who served as the captain of Colombia's national team in three world cups, said he will quit playing professional soccer after 22 years on the field. "The time has come to say goodbye to soccer," Valderrama, also known as "Pibe," told reporters Saturday in the city of Barranquilla. "Thanks to all of those who helped me succeed." The 42-year-old Valderrama said he was planning on becoming a soccer coach after failing to receive any satisfactory contract offers to continue playing.
"This is old news for me, but new for the people," he said, speaking to the press while visiting children with cancer at a foundation in northern Colombia.
Valderrama spent the last five years playing professional soccer in the United States for the Tampa Bay Mutiny, Miami Fusion and Colorado Rapids.
He previously played for Montpellier of France, Valladoid of Spain and various teams in Colombia, including Union Magdalena of Santa Marta, his hometown. Colombia's soccer legend received many honours during his career. He was named the best soccer player in the Americas in1987 and 1993, and received the US Major League soccer's best player award in 1996.
He led his nation's team to three world cup tournaments - in Italy in 1990, in the United States in 1994 and in France in 1998.

Bureau Report