Former Rangers midfielder Alejandro Bedoya has announced his retirement from football, ending a 19-year playing career that included a decade with MLS side Philadelphia Union.
Bedoya, a USA international, joined Rangers in August 2011 under then-manager Ally McCoist. He had originally agreed a pre-contract to move to Ibrox from Örebro SK in January 2012, but a deal was struck to bring him to Glasgow earlier than planned, in August 2011.
He made 13 appearances for Rangers, scoring once, during the season Celtic overturned a 15-point gap to win the title as Rangers experienced turmoil off the pitch. When the Ibrox club entered administration, Bedoya returned to Sweden on a short-term deal with Helsingborgs before spells with Nantes for three years and then a decade-long stay with Philadelphia Union.
Announcing his decision, Bedoya said: "The time has come and what a journey it's been. It has been a privilege to dedicate my whole life to the game of soccer. It's given me more than I could ever put into words."
He thanked his family in his statement, saying: "To my parents, Adriano and Julieta and my siblings Santiago and Marcela, thank you for all those road trips and sacrifices during those early years that helped shape my career. I wouldn't be the person I am, nor the player I became, without your unwavering support."
Reflecting on his background, he added: "It's a beautiful story of an immigrant family from Colombia whose son and brother became a captain and represented the USA in a World Cup."
He also paid tribute to his wife and children, saying: "To my wife Beatrice and my two beautiful kids Santino and Milena, thank you for your unconditional love and endless support throughout my career."
Bedoya closed his statement by saying: "I leave this game on my own terms knowing every time I stepped on the pitch, I gave it my all. I'm leaving the game with no regrets, knowing I gave it everything and I'm excited for what's to come."
