The King has left his throne.
The veteran core of the most accomplished club in MLS history is slowly crumbling.
Less than 24 hours after the news that midfielder Steven Gerrard would not return to the club for the 2017 season, his former Liverpool teammate, striker, Robbie Keane, has also announced his time with the club has come to an end.
The 36-year-old departs after six successful seasons with Los Angeles in which he scored 92 goals and helped lift three MLS Cups for the club that has won the most trophies in MLS history.
"I can confirm that after five fantastic years I will be leaving the LA Galaxy," Keane said in a statement. "It's been a privilege to have played my part in the history of such a great club and I leave with memories that will stay with me forever. "
The Galaxy last won the championship in 2014, the year that Keane was named MVP of the league and also the team's player of the year.
However, Keane has struggled with injuries over the better part of two seasons and has seen his playing time diminish.
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Keane was in the final year of his contract, and was interested in negotiating an extension with the club, but communication stalled over the summer as it appeared the team was not on the same page with the Irish forward and was looking to head a different direction for the 2016 season.
"I believe that now is the right time for a new challenge as I look towards the next chapter of my playing career," continued Keane. "I still feel as fit and sharp as ever and I am looking forward to my next adventure."
Keane is also the most decorated goal scorer in Ireland history and retired from the national team this summer. Injuries played a part in his decision to leave the national team, as it did his playing time the Galaxy at the end of the season.
Keane came off the bench as a substitute during the team's final few games and into their brief foray of three playoff games.
"It is hard to put into words what Robbie Keane has meant to the LA Galaxy," said head coach Bruce Arena. "From day one, Keane has given everything to this team both on and off the field and has led our club to some of it's greatest accomplishments. We thank Robbie for everything he has given to this club and this city and we wish him the best in whatever comes next in his career."
It's unknown at this time whether or not Keane will continue to play in the MLS with another club, or head back to Europe where he could finish his career with a former club like Celtic or Tottenham of the English Premier League.
🏆 🏆 🏆 #ThankYouKeano. #TBT pic.twitter.com/APSxOa6Vxm — LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) November 18, 2016
Keane is King. 👑
2014 was something else. #ThankYouKeano pic.twitter.com/hZQWI9x537 — LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) November 18, 2016
