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          U.S. Soccer star Clint Dempsey retires from professional football: Social media reacts

          • ESPN staffAug 29, 2018, 04:26 PM

          Wednesday marks the end of an era in U.S. Soccer as joint-record goalscorer Clint Dempsey announced he will retire from professional soccer effective immediately, ending the current Seattle Sounders star's illustrious career both with the USMNT and in club football.

          The 35-year-old finishes level atop the U.S. Soccer scoring charts with 57 goals, tying Landon Donovan, and will be remembered as perhaps the greatest American soccer player of all-time.

          Dempsey's professional career began in 2004 with the New England Revolution, followed by a long successful spell in England, with Fulham and later Tottenham in the English Premier League. The star, born in Nacogdoches, Texas, returned to the United States with Seattle in 2013 and was a member of three U.S. World Cup sides (2006, 2010, 2014).

          One of the greatest American soccer players ever, here's how social media reacted to the news that Dempsey is hanging up his boots.

          Clint Dempsey was a club favorite wherever he went. Here's how his former clubs bid farewell to the American forward.

          One from the man of the hour himself. ... It all started in Nacogdoches, Texas.

          Thank you it's been real. ✌️

          A post shared by Clint Dempsey (@clint_dempsey) on

          Piles of tweets and posts from former teammates have flowed in.

          Revolution teammate and current ESPN FC analyst Taylor Twellman …

          U.S. teammates Tim Howard and Geoff Cameron …

          Other well wishes from leading figures in the soccer community …

          A look at the full span of Clint Dempsey's career with the United States men's national team.

          One from a U.S. Soccer fan group, The American Outlaws …

          Former U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati …

          Former USMNT, Fulham and Seattle Sounders teammate Eddie Johnson knows Clint as well as anyone …

          That's my brother right there and everyone in the soccer world knows it. Loyalty,trust,love and respect since day one. From youth national team days to the Senior national team was an honor to have played in a World Cup with him and should of been at least one more lol. Had the opportunity to play along side him on the senior team over a decade, @fulhamfc and @soundersfc and it's awesome to witness his achievements first hand. I remember back in the days as roommates all the things we dream of accomplishing and my brother @clint_dempsey you can check every goal that you wrote down off your list. The greatest to ever wear the shirt but a even greater person father and husband and brother love you bro and I'm so proud of you and the amazing career you had #Deuce💯❤️🤙🏾⚽️✊🏾🙌🏾

          A post shared by eddie_johnson7 (@eddie_johnson7) on

          Fellow joint-top-scorer Landon Donovan also wished Dempsey well …

          Former U.S. manager Jurgen Klinsmann had high praise for Deuce as well …

          Former U.S. legend and current Under-20 coach Tab Ramos compared Clint Dempsey to Michael Jordan