United States Men’s National Team captain Tim Ream was honored with his family as he confirmed he has retired from international soccer.
Ream received a special presentation of a framed USA jersey with the No.86 – the number of games he has played for his country – as they took on Chile in a friendly in his hometown of St Louis, Missouri.
The former English Premier League player was joined by his wife and three kids as he saluted the crowd in emotional moments before Mauricio Pochettino‘s team ran out with a 4-2 win.
It marked a fitting end to Ream’s journey with the national team that started back in 2010 but came to a difficult on-field conclusion as he captained the team to a humbling 4-1 loss to Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16 on home soil.
The USMNT is entering a new era after that World Cup disappointment, with Pochettino fielding a very young team in this round of fixtures, preparing for a future that will no longer include Ream.
In a press conference before the Chile game, Ream was asked if he was now retired after the ceremony was announced as ‘recognition’ for the legendary central defender.
Tim Ream was honored before the USMNT faced Chile in his hometown, St Louis, Missouri
Ream was joined by his wife and their three kids for a special presentation on the field
‘Am I retiring from the national team is what you’re asking?’ Ream clarified.
‘Let’s shoot it straight here. This conversation was had already with Mauricio and I told him that yes, I know I’ve said in the past that I won’t retire from the national team until I retire completely from the game, but the kids are getting younger and younger, and I don’t mean my own kids.
‘This has been discussed and before this camp it was discussed that I would not be a player with the national team any more.
‘So it is retirement. We’ve used the word recognition. We weren’t really sure how we want to label it.
‘But that’s it for me. I’m proud of being part of something for 16 years, but it is time to step away and stay away from playing with the national team.’
After confirming his retirement and acknowledging the reception he received from the fans, he gave a TV interview with former teammate Brad Guzan on TNT Sports.
Asked what he is most looking forward to with his new free time, he replied: ‘Honestly, I look forward to doing a little bit more fishing, little bit more golfing.
‘You know what though, honestly, I’ve missed so much of my kids’ sporting events. Being away, not just for club but you’re away for weeks with country.
Ream captained the USA as their home World Cup ended in a humbling loss to Belgium
Ream will continue playing for Charlotte FC in the MLS but is done with his international career
‘And just being able to go to a swim meet on a Saturday and watch my kids swim all day, and just be a cheerleader, is something I’m looking forward to.
‘I’ve got a few projects I want to get into in and around the house. I don’t know that my wife’s going to allow me to do that, but that’s on the agenda.’
Ream is still playing in Major League Soccer for Charlotte FC, but his days in a USA jersey are over.
Earlier this week, manager Mauricio Pochettino said: ‘I think he was humble enough. He was always defending his team, the teammates, but always with empathy for [the coaching staff] and helping in every single decision.’
