Santino Quaranta retires from MLS

Updated: December 7, 2011, 10:19 AM ET
Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- Former U.S. national team player Santino Quaranta is retiring from professional soccer.

Quaranta said Wednesday he is leaving MLS after 11 seasons, including 10 with D.C. United.

The 27-year-old midfielder battled drug and alcohol addictions during his career before asking for help and beginning a recovery in late 2007. He now plans to spend much of his time helping others overcome similar problems in his native Baltimore.

Quaranta made 15 appearances with the U.S. team, scoring his only goal during the 2009 Gold Cup.

He was 16 when he joined United in 2001, the youngest player ever drafted by MLS at the time.

He played in 21 games this year and had one goal and four assists. United last week declined to pick up his contract option for 2012.


Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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