Former QPR and Sunderland striker Danny Dichio has announced his retirement as a player.
Striker calls an end to his playing career
Former Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland striker Danny Dichio has announced his retirement as a player.
The Hammersmith-born striker began his playing career as a trainee at QPR in 1997 before going on to play for the likes of Sunderland, West Brom and Millwall.
Rounding off a successful career with MLS club Toronto FC, for whom he scored 14 goals in 59 appearances, the 34-year-old has decided to call it a day on the pitch.
He will, however, continue to work in football as academy coach and team ambassador with Toronto after being appointed to the role by director of soccer Mo Johnston.
Dichio admitted to being excited at the prospect of coaching young players, especially in MLS where he has enjoyed two-and-a-half successful seasons.
Challenge
"I'm really looking forward to this new chapter in my career, and I'm happy I get to do it here at Toronto FC," Dichio said.
"It's a great opportunity given to me by Mo and the front office and I'm excited to help this organisation in the years to come."
Despite suffering numerous injury setbacks towards the end of his playing career, Dichio had become a firm favourite with Toronto fans having scored the club's first goal in their MLS history in May 2007.
"Danny has not only been an integral part of Toronto FC, but also the city of Toronto from day one," Johnston said.
"Having Danny on board in his new capacity will also assist us in scouting not only for upcoming MLS games, but with the young talent that is here in Ontario for our academy."
