Former Rangers midfielder Alejandro Bedoya has announced his retirement from football in an emotional address. The USA international ends a 19-year career that included a decade with MLS side Philadelphia Union.
A Career Spanning Three Continents
Bedoya joined Rangers in August 2011 under Ally McCoist, having originally agreed a pre-contract to move from Orebro SK in January 2012. A deal was eventually thrashed out to bring him to Glasgow in August the previous year.
He made 13 appearances for the Light Blues, scoring once, as Celtic overhauled a 15-point gap to take the title while Rangers imploded off the pitch. When the Ibrox club entered administration, Bedoya returned to Sweden to pen a short-term deal with Helsingborgs before joining Nantes for three years, then began his decade-long stay with Union.
An Emotional Farewell
"The time has come and what a journey it's been," he said. "The time has come to say goodbye to something that's been such a big part of who you are. It has been a privilege to dedicate my whole life to the game of soccer. It's given me more than I could ever put into words."
"It's shaped me, challenged me and given me a life I'll always be grateful for. The dream started as a little boy who dreamed of playing in full stadiums with passionate fans in attendance, family and friends watching, winning trophies and just living the life of a professional athlete."
Thanks to Family and Fans
Bedoya thanked his parents, Adriano and Julieta, and his siblings Santiago and Marcela, saying: "Thank you for all those road trips and sacrifices during those early years that helped shape my career. I wouldn't be the person I am, nor the player I became, without your unwavering support." He described it as "a beautiful story of an immigrant family from Colombia whose son and brother became a captain and represented the USA in a World Cup."
He also addressed his wife Beatrice and children Santino and Milena, saying: "Thank you for your unconditional love and endless support throughout my career. Through all the highs and lows, I could always count on you guys to keep me grounded while inspiring me to be better."
Leaving on His Own Terms
Bedoya reflected on his time at Orebro, Rangers, Helsingborgs, Nantes, Philadelphia Union and the US men's national team, saying: "It's been an absolute pleasure to share the locker rooms and pitches with you. I learned so much at each of those stops and the amazing memories we made representing those badges are endeared in my memory forever."
He concluded: "I leave this game on my own terms knowing every time I stepped on the pitch, I gave it my all. It's now time for a new chapter and I'm looking forward to approaching it in the same way I approached soccer. I'm leaving the game with no regrets, knowing I gave it everything and I'm excited for what's to come."
