HERMOSA BEACH, Calif. – After winning the first MLS Cup title of his 10-year MLS career and having his option declined days later, LA Galaxy defender James Riley is leaning toward retirement.
Reports have already stated that Riley is leaning toward retirement and sources close to the situation confirm the report to LA Galaxy Insider. Riley made just four appearances for the Galaxy in 2014 after suffering a meniscus injury in March.
Following the club’s championship rally at the Hermosa Beach Pier last week, Riley admitted to reporters that he doesn’t “want to chase it anymore” especially if he’s not on the Galaxy next season.
“I'm 32; if I have to pack up and move all the way across country and continue to chase it and try to almost replicate what we have here, I don't want to do that,” Riley said. “Bruce [Arena] was fantastic in my exit interview, said, 'Yeah, we value you, but we have to see what happens,' and I said no problem. Obviously, they know what I contribute on the field and off the field, so it's one of those things where if it's not here then it's going to be tough for me to go to a different place.”
After his option was declined, Riley was made eligible for the MLS Re-Entry Draft which concludes on Thursday with stage two of the process. If Riley is not selected, he will officially become eligible to move onto any team. The 32-year-old refused to reveal that he will not take part in LA’s preseason next year, but noted that any decision remains up in the air at this point.
“We're deep in the outside-back position, to be honest with you,” Riley who previous spent time with New England, San Jose, Seattle, Chivas USA and D.C. United before joining the Galaxy in January. “Todd [Dunivant] and Robbie [Rogers] on the left, and Gargs [Dan Gargan] and A.J. [DeLaGarza], who can play on the right. And [Oscar] Sorto's a great young player, great young man, great kid.
“I've always wanted to leave on my terms and not force anything and not kind of just be pushed to the side. It's time to reflect on the game and all the relationships I've formed, what it's provided me.”
