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Swiss International Rafael Wicky Retires
Swiss midfielder Rafael Wicky has retired from professional soccer for personal reasons, Chivas USA have announced.
Mar 3, 2009 4:12:51 AM
Chivas USA have announced that Rafael Wicky has retired from professional soccer for personal reasons. The 31-year-old joined Major League Soccer prior to the 2008 season, from Swiss club FC Sion, with whom he began his career.
“I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to everyone at Chivas USA for giving me the opportunity to play in Major League Soccer,” said Wicky. “I had a wonderful experience with the club, and only wish that I could have contributed more on the field.”
In his year in California, Wicky only managed to make one start in five appearances for Chivas USA due to persistent back injuries.
Lack of appearances was never a problem on the international stage, where the midfielder made 75 appearances for Switzerland, including games in the European championships and the World Cup. In the 1996 Euros, he featured at the age of 19. Ten years later, in the 2006 World Cup, he started all four games as Switzerland finished the only team in the competition not to concede a goal.
At the club level, he suited up for German Bundesliga sides Hamburg SV and Werder Bremen, as well as Span's Atletico Madrid.
“Raphaël had a great career as a player, and was a positive influence in our locker room,” said Chivas USA Head Coach Preki. “We’ll miss him, and want to wish him the best of luck moving forward.”
Wicky's retirement comes a mere five weeks after the club signed him to a new one-year contract.
Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com
“I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to everyone at Chivas USA for giving me the opportunity to play in Major League Soccer,” said Wicky. “I had a wonderful experience with the club, and only wish that I could have contributed more on the field.”
In his year in California, Wicky only managed to make one start in five appearances for Chivas USA due to persistent back injuries.
Lack of appearances was never a problem on the international stage, where the midfielder made 75 appearances for Switzerland, including games in the European championships and the World Cup. In the 1996 Euros, he featured at the age of 19. Ten years later, in the 2006 World Cup, he started all four games as Switzerland finished the only team in the competition not to concede a goal.
At the club level, he suited up for German Bundesliga sides Hamburg SV and Werder Bremen, as well as Span's Atletico Madrid.
“Raphaël had a great career as a player, and was a positive influence in our locker room,” said Chivas USA Head Coach Preki. “We’ll miss him, and want to wish him the best of luck moving forward.”
Wicky's retirement comes a mere five weeks after the club signed him to a new one-year contract.
Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com
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