Keane confirms Galaxy departure

Robbie Keane is to seek one last challenge after confirming his five-year stint at LA Galaxy is coming to an end.

Keane moved to LA Galaxy from Tottenham in 2011 and guided the club to three MLS Cup victories, scoring 92 goals and 51 assists during his six seasons in the US.

His future has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks after he was left on the bench for the MLS play-off defeat to Colorado Rapids and he has now confirmed that he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the year.

Keane recently retired from international football earlier this year after scoring a record 68 goals in 146 appearances for the Republic of Ireland and he has intimated that he is keen to continue playing.

In an open letter on the club's website, Keane wrote: can confirm that after five fantastic years I will be leaving the LA Galaxy. "It's been a privilege to have played my part in the history of such a great club and I leave with memories that will stay with me forever. Winning three MLS Cups, scoring over 100 goals for the club and being named as 2014 MVP are all achievements that I will look back on with pride, it's been an incredible experience, I've truly loved every minute of my time at LA Galaxy.

"However, I believe that now is the right time for a new challenge as I look towards the next chapter of my playing career. I still feel as fit and sharp as ever and I am looking forward to my next adventure. Having now retired from international football I am ready to focus everything I have on one last major challenge in club football and will be taking time out to consider my options before announcing my next move.

"I would like to thank everyone at the Galaxy including the board, manager and all of my teammates for their incredible support during my time in LA. Finally, I would like to thank the most important people at the club: the fans. Thank you for welcoming me as one of your own and for helping to make LA such a special place for both me and my family.

"The city has become my second home and I will never forget the unbelievable backing you've given me during my time at the Galaxy. The great times we have shared will stay with me forever. I look forward to watching the club continue to grow and progress in the coming years. It's been an honour to captain your team and I am so proud of everything we have achieved together. Thank you for everything."

Setanta Sports is now eir Sport. We have 6 great channels of live sport including eir Sport 1 & 2 and all 4 BT Sport channels. The eir Sport pack is free to all eir broadband customers. To learn more about setting sport free visit www.eir.ie/sport .