Report: Eddie Johnson to retire after heart condition forces MLS to void contract

One of the most prolific players to ever grace Major League Soccer is reportedly set to hang up his cleats.

Eddie Johnson, 31, will retire because of a heart condition - believed to be athletic heart syndrome - according to Steven Goff of the Washington Post. MLS apparently voided Johnson's contract with D.C. United, presumably because of the pre-existing condition.

It was reportedly clear that D.C. United weren't aware of the severity of Johnson's ailment upon acquiring him from the Seattle Sounders ahead of the 2014 season.

As athletic heart syndrome is not detectable through a standard physical exam and is often discovered incidentally, D.C. United learned of Johnson's ailment when he was hospitalised for high blood pressure and dehydration two days before a playoff match last year.

Johnson, a Designated Player who made 63 appearances for the United States Men's National Team, has yet to play this season and missed most of D.C. United's training camp. With his contract voided, the club can replace Johnson on their squad and free up salary cap space.

- With h/t to ESPN FC