Wednesday afternoon saw Stuart Holden announce his retirement from professional soccer. He announced his decision via a Facebook video-chat with fans from around the world, as one would expect.

Announcement follows entry into fatherhood

Throughout his career, Holden has been beloved by fans and it seems fitting that he would announce an end to his soccer career with an intimate chat with his fans while also introducing his daughter, Kennady Rose, as well. The announcement comes two days after his wife Karalyn West gave birth to Kennady. In his retirement letter, Holden states that one of his motivations for moving on is being a father, which no one can fault him for. Another are the usual aches and pains that come from a decade-plus long career in the sport. Add in the grueling injuries he had the misfortune of suffering, and it's easy to see why it's time.

Career history

Stuart was born in Aberdeen, Scotland and moved to Houston at age 10. From an early age he fell in love with soccer and his move to Texas did nothing to dampen that passion. After two years at Clemson University, Holden signed for English side Sunderland in 2005. Unfortunately, a pair of injuries left him unable to crack the squad and he was released that summer. He returned home just in time for the Houston Dynamo's inaugral season in 2006. He signed up for the team and made his Major League Soccer debut in late May. As the season wore on, fans could tell that he was a special player. While making thirteen appearances that season, he always made an impact. The fact that he was a hometown kid added to the appeal. In 2006's MLS Cup Final, Holden came on as a substitute against the New England Revolution. During the penalty shootout, he buried his shot with the confidence of a much more seasoned player.

From 2007 though 2009, he received ever increasing playing time. At first it was on the left wing, but after Dwayne De Rosario left to join his native Toronto FC, Holden was given the keys to the offense. He proceeded exploded onto the scene as one of the league's most talented young players. Once his contract ran out after the 2009 season, the Dynamo and MLS did everything they could to keep him in Houston, but the lure of taking his game to the next level won out. He signed with English Premier League side Bolton Wanderers in January of 2010.

Makes a name for himself in England

It didn't take long for Holden to make a mark in England. After several great performances, he signed a new contract with Bolton for the 2010-11 season and exploded onto the scene in eye-catching fashion. His skill on the ball and ability to chase down players in the middle of the field made him one of England's best central midfielders. In no small part due to his talent, Bolton climbed up to 7th place in the Premier League standings. However, a horrendous tackle from Manchester United's Jonny Evans left him with a broken leg, meaning he was out for six months. It was to be the first of several unfortunate set backs for the popular player.

As a US International, Holden represented the U-20, U-23 and senior teams. It was during the Beijing Olympics that he first made a mark for himself, including a goal against Japan in a 1-0 victory. He helped the US to a second place finish at the 2009 Gold Cup, where he had two goals and three assists and was named to the Cup's All-Tournament Team. Despite an injury suffered during a friendly against the Dutch, Stuart worked his way onto Bob Bradley's 2010 World Cup roster, where he came off the bench against England in a 1-1 group stage draw.

Great personality

Throughout his career, Holden has always been generous with fans, willing to pose for pictures, chat or just hang out. Players everywhere only have wonderful things to say about him and he is beloved everywhere he's been. His outgoing personality and humbleness, combined with a tireless work ethic on and off the field, have made him a fan favorite. To this day he can't show up to a Dynamo game without being mobbed by fans wanting to thank him for his time there, and for representing the US so well all over the world.

Broadcasting career

During these past few years, Holden has started his career in broadcasting and has looked really good doing so. His personality makes him a natural in front of the camera and his knowledge of the game, at all levels, means he always has a great insight into the action on the field. While fans won't be able to see him in action on the field anymore, it's comforting to know that he'll be involved in the game still. Speaking of which, Holden has formed a partnership with fellow US Internationals Landon Donovan and Brian Ching by founding HELM Soccer. They hosted a training camp in Austin, Texas last year that was wildly successful and are looking at expanding that initiative. His charity work has been tireless wherever he's been, and he won the MLS Humanitarian of the Year award in 2008.

It's hard to sum up just what a wonderful person and player Holden has been for the Dynamo, Wanderers and US National Team. Everyone is better for having had him on their team and now fans can only wish him the absolute best during his next adventures as a father and broadcaster. Perhaps he'll return as a coach one day, which fans would absolutely love. In the mean time, there's only one thing that can be said:

From fans everywhere Stuart, thank you and good luck. Whatever you do, we know you'll be awesome at it and we'll cheer you on.