Saying goodbye is difficult.

Since coming to your club last season, I immediately felt your unwavering support and grew to love this team, city and its fans. You have helped me and my family feel like we have become part of yours. Thank you for your constant love and dedication to us on and off the field.

This is a decision that is rooted in something more important than the sport itself: family. My family is the most important thing and I will always have their best interest in mind, even though it means making a choice as difficult as this.

I will miss the beautiful goals we scored, the screaming fans at StubHub Center and the inseparable bond between our team. I am honored and humbled to have been a part of the team that helped the Galaxy make history by becoming the first team to win five MLS Cups. I look forward to cheering on the Galaxy continuing to set new records. The memories I have here will always be some of the greatest of my life.

I am proud to have represented you all over the past year and a half and even prouder to be considered a part of your Galaxy family.

From me and my entire family:

Thank you,

Stefan Ishizaki