Chicago Fire say goodbye to retiring Pavel Pardo

We should have read between the lines of the Larentowicz trade. In fact, we didn’t have to. Chicago had something on their website about it: “Larentowicz Move Brought About By Uncertainty Over Pardo Future.” That may as well have been his retirement announcement.

Instead, Saturday was the day the former Mexican international made it official. After a season-and-a-half in Chicago that capped a career that began with Atlas in 1993, Pardo is calling it a day. From Chicago’s website:

“This was a very difficult decision, but after speaking with my family, I’ve decided that it is the right time to retire from professional soccer,” said Pardo. “I’ve had the opportunity to play for world-class clubs and represent my country at the highest level. The journey has been an exciting one and I’m proud of the things I’ve accomplished along the way. Thank you to all of my teammates, coaches, clubs, family and most importantly my fans for supporting me for the last 19 years. I’m excited about the next phase of my career and look forward to being involved in soccer for many more years to come.”   

Pardo has won league titles in  both Mexico and Germany, appeared at two World Cups, and is the second-most capped player in Mexican national team history.

During his time in Chicago (where he arrived in July of 2011), Pardo made 41 MLS appearances, scoring two goals and adding nine assists. Last season, he teamed with Logan Pause at the base of Frank Klopas’s midfield as he helped guide the Fire to the playoffs.

Team owner Andrew Hauptman offered the following:

“It has been a truly great experience to have had Pavel Pardo represent the Fire on-and-off-the-field,” said Fire owner Andrew Hauptman. “Pavel’s character, leadership and integrity as an individual rival his passion, ability and skill on the field. Our club is honored to have been a part of Pavel’s 19-year professional career. Pavel will forever remain a member of the Fire family.”

Pardo was a great player – one of the best CONCACAF’s seen in the last 20 years. Even at 36 years old, he was a valuable player for a Major League Soccer playoff team. To replace him, the team had to go out and got a borderline all-star.

MLS may not have gotten the same player that at one time steered VfB Stuttgart to the top of the Bundesliga, but for a shot period of time, they got one the region’s iconic players. And now, it’s time for him to move on.