Former MLS MVP Carlos Ruiz announces his retirement

Former Major League Soccer MVP Carlos Ruiz has announced his retirement at age 37.

"El Pescadito" played in MLS from 2002-2008, then returned to join Philadelphia in 2011 and D.C. United in 2013. He made three substitute appearances last season after signing with FC Dallas just before the playoffs.

The Guatemalainternational scored89 regular-season goals in his career, good for the 10th most in league history.

Ruiz was a force when he entered the league in 2002, winning the MVP and Golden Boot with 24 goals while helping the Los Angeles Galaxy win MLS Cup and the Supporters' Shield. He then tied for the league lead in goals in 2003 with 15 goals.

He's also the all-time leading goal scorer for his Guatemala with 68 goals in 133 appearances.

"I think in soccer that you have to know when you have to retire," Ruiz told the Galaxy's website. "I still love this game and that's why I'm talking on television to help Americans understand and love the game like I do. We still have work to do and I'm still in the game.

"I'm also going to try to open a soccer academy because I want to try and reach kids, but after 23 years as a professional, I'm done.

"Only time will judge if I did well or well not, but I feel like I did everything in every game I played."