The face of soccer in the United States will have to get a makeover, now that Landon Donovan, known as the greatest player ever to hail from America, is hanging up his cleats.

A six-time member of Major League Soccer's "Best XI" who played in three World Cups for the United States, Donovan, 32, announced today that he plans to retire at the end of the 2014 MLS season, according to a report by USA Today.

ESPN's Doug McIntyre is credited with breaking the story.

In a message posted to his Facebook account (the compete text of which is printed at the end of this story), Donovan reassured fans his interest and connection to the sport he loves is not over:

"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," Donovan wrote. "I feel incredibly blessed and lucky to have played a role in the remarkable growth of MLS and US Soccer ... and while my career as a player will soon be over, rest assured I will stay connected on many levels to the beautiful game."

In a controversial decision by U.S. Soccer coach Jurgen Klinsmann, Donovan was left off the roster of players that traveled to Brazil to play in 2014 World Cup.

Nevertheless, Donovan remains America's all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup competition and MLS' all-time leading goalscorer, said USA Today.

Donovan, who closes out his career as a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy, won the MLS Cup five times with two different teams, the Supporters' Shield, for best regular season record, twice and was named twice as the Most Valuable Player in the annual MLS All-Star Game.

Here's the compete text of Donovan's Facebook posting:

"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 don't write these words lightly and this day carries mixed emotions for me. I am sad to leave a profession that has brought me so much joy. I will miss all of the teammates who helped me create so many incredible memories on-the-field, and who I have shared many wonderful experiences with off-the-field. I will miss my coaches, at both the club and national team levels, who have helped me develop throughout my career and helped make me the player I am today. However, after spending half my life as a professional soccer player, I also am excited to begin a new chapter and pursue other opportunities that will challenge me and allow me to grow as a person.

"There are so many people I want to thank who have inspired me, guided me and helped me on this incredible journey. I simply could not have accomplished what I did during my playing career without an overwhelming amount of support from my family, my friends and many others. I plan to express my gratitude to everyone in a more detailed manner at a later date; however, for now, I want to single out the fans. You are the lifeblood of this sport and, without you, none of us would be fortunate to call ourselves professional soccer players in MLS.

"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.

"As we enter a transformative time for the sport, I will do everything I can to help the continued growth of soccer in the United States. I look forward to making a difference, pursuing my passions and meeting all of you along the way in this next phase of my life.

"With gratitude, Landon"