Chicago Fire midfielder Pavel Pardo announces retirement

The Chicago Fire announced Saturday that midfielder Pavel Pardo has retired from professional soccer.

Pardo, 36, is the second-most capped player in Mexican national team history, and had a very successful 19-year career that saw him compete in the top flight in Mexico, Germany and the United States.

“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,” Pardo said. “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."

Pardo started his career in 1993 with Mexican Primera side Club Atlas. He rose to prominence during his time with Club America between 1999 and 2006, helping the team to two Mexican titles. He moved to Germany with Vfb Stuttgart in 2006, and immediately helped the club to the 2006-07 Bundesliga title.

In 2009, Pardo returned home to Club America, where he stayed until a 2011 move to the Fire. In two seasons with the Men in Red, he made 41 regular season appearances, scoring two goals and adding nine assists.

Pardo was capped an impressive 148 times for the Mexican national team, the second-most in El Tri's history. He appeared in the 1998 and 2006 FIFA World Cups, and also won two Gold Cups, in 1998 and 2003.

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