Sporting KC GK Jimmy Nielsen announces retirement

Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen has announced his retirement just days after lifting the MLS Cup. 

"I want to thank the ownership group, my teammates, my coaches and the entire organization for the opportunity to have four of the best years of my life, not only mine but my family as well here in Kansas City," Nielsen said in a statement on the team's official website. 

"I will remember these years forever. To the best soccer fans: since day one they have always been behind me and I want to thank them for all the support. I made the final decision to retire today and to end this part of my life and it was the perfect timing, finishing with a great championship that the entire city deserves."

Nielsen ends his career with an impressive CV that includes two MLS All-Star honours (2010, 2012), one MLS goalkeeper of the year award (2012) and one MLS Best XI selection (2012).

"It's with a heavy heart that I see Jimmy retiring from not only the game, but more importantly our team," Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes said. "He has been instrumental to the success of this organization over the last four years. And as much as I'm sad to see him go, I am delighted that he leaves the game as a champion based on the fact that he is true winner."

Nielsen began his career with AaB Fodbold in Denmark and spent time with Millwall, AaB again, Leicester City and Vijle before coming to Kansas City. 

Nielsen's heroics in a 10 round shootout versus Real Salt Lake helped Sporting KC lift the MLS Cup on Saturday.