Captain Mauro Biello, the lone remaining player from the Impact's inaugural season in 1993, announced his retirement Thursday in Montreal.
Biello, 37, is the all-time leading scorer in the United Soccer Leagues First Division, with 90 goals and 253 points in 429 games.
He had given himself three months to consider his future with the team following its victory against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Oct. 17 to claim the championship of the United Soccer Leagues' First Division.
The decision isn't altogether surprising. The night of the team's victory, the crowd at Montreal's Saputo Stadium gave Biello a lengthy standing ovation when he stepped onto the field in the 80th minute of play.
The Montreal native helped the Impact to league championships in 1994, 2004 and 2009.
The veteran of 16 seasons with the team had been considering retirement for some time, a first step having been taken with his being named a player-coach this season.
"I'm very comfortable with this decision," he said. "The last two season were difficult for me due to injuries."
Biello will stay with the club as an assistant coach and director of the Impact soccer schools.
At the age of 18, Biello was drafted by the Montreal Supra. He joined the USL with the Impact in 1993. In his 372 USL games — 344 with the Impact and 28 with the Rochester Raging Rhinos — Biello scored 80 goals.
With files from CBC News
