:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48518987/usa-today-8162465.0.jpg)
Former Seattle Sounders midfielder Gonzalo Pineda has announced his retirement from professional football at age 33 after having his contract option declined by the Seattle Sounders following the 2015 season. Pineda appeared 53 times for the Sounders since arriving in 2014, scoring three goals including this screamer against the Vancouver Whitecaps last year:
Born in Mexico City, Pineda began his career in 2002 with hometown club UNAM Pumas before heading to C.D. Guadalajara and a handful of other Liga MX clubs on loan. Pineda made 44 appearances for the Mexico national team between 2004 and 2008, participating in the 2005 Confederations Cup, 2006 World Cup, and 2007 Copa America. He famously scored a Panenka penalty against Argentina in the 2005 Confederations Cup, which Pineda calls one of the best moments of his career.
Pineda plans to continue doing analysis and commentary work for TV in the United States, but would like to transition into coaching roles in the future. Pineda has previously worked on Spanish language broadcasts, but is effectively fluent in English.