CALLING IT A CAREER Waterreus to retire after this season
Ronald Waterreus will retire after this season.
After struggling through a injury-plagued season with sub-par performances, Red Bulls goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus Friday announced his retirement from soccer effective at the end of the season.
“I have been very fortunate to enjoy a long and eventful professional soccer career,” Waterreus said in a statement. “Over the past 20 years, I have been lucky to play at the top level in a number of different countries and gain memories that I will never forget. The whole ride has been a lot of fun.”
Waterreus, 37, signed as a senior international player in January, fell considerably short in expectations. A couple of early injuries set him back and he looked tenative in goal, particularly when he had to go out for crosses. He is considered one of the biggest signing mistakes of coach Bruce Arena's regime.
His retirement will give the Red Bulls a lot of room under the MLS salary cap as the club will shed Waterreus' $200,000 salary.
Many soccer observers questioned whether Waterreus earned his keep, given his unbalanced performances from the beginning of May on.
Waterreus had a 1.79 goals-against average with five shutouts and a 6-6-5 record.
He had an impressive career playing for a number of top-flight European teams including PSV Eindhoven, Manchester City and Rangers.
Waterreus was also a member of the Dutch National Team, earning seven caps.
