Former Mexico international and Liga MX Miguel Sabah (pictured) officially announced his retirement on January 5, 2016. (Photo: Mexsport)
GUADALAJARA, Mexico -- After a 15-year career of 392 games and 139 goals in Mexico, Miguel Sabah announced his retirement from professional football at a press conference on Tuesday.
“Today, it hurts me to make this decision, but age does not forgive,” said Sabah, a 17-time capped Mexico international. “It was not easy to make this decision. I thank my family, my parents.”
The 36-year-old was released by Leon after the 2015 Liga MX Clausura and was not picked up by another club. His place in CONCACAF history, though, is firmly assured.
In 2009, Sabah was the top scorer in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, netting four goals to help Mexico earn a sixth title in the competition. His 10th minute strike in a 1-1 draw with Panama was the 500th goal in CONCACAF Gold Cup history
Weeks later, Sabah injected new life into the Tricolor’s uneven qualifying campaign for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Shortly after entering an August 12 game as a late substitute against the visiting United States, he broke a 1-1 deadlock in the 82nd minute to give the host a much-needed three points.
Sabah, who notched five career Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League goals, made his professional debut with Guadalajara in 2001, eventually going on to play for Cruz Azul (2006-08), Morelia (2009-12), before returning to Chivas in December 2012.
He joined Leon in November 2013, where he was part of the 2014 Clausura title-winning squad.
