CARSON, Calif. – Carlos Ruiz confirmed that he has officially retired from the game of soccer after an illustrious 23-year professional soccer career.

Speaking to LA Galaxy Insider, Ruiz announced that he is hanging up his boots to pursue a career in broadcasting as well as open up a youth soccer academy. Ruiz enjoyed a stellar club career that included stops in MLS, Greece, Mexico, and his native Guatemala. Ruiz ends his career as the all-time leading goal scorer in World Cup qualifying as well as the all-time leading goal scorer for his native Guatemala with 68 goals.

“I think in soccer that you have to know when you have to retire. 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," Ruiz said. "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.”