Real Salt Lake's Andy Williams announces retirement

It's not quite on his own terms, but Andy Williams is calling it a career.

The 14-year MLS veteran, and last remaining player from Real Salt Lake's inaugural season in 2005, announced his retirement on Monday afternoon.

"I wouldn't change it for the world. I'm glad I came to Salt Lake City. For me and my family to call this home, it's been amazing," Williams said while making his announcement on ESPN700.

Williams' contract with RSL expired at the end of the 2011 season, and he wanted to play another season. RSL didn't offer him a contract to his liking, though, and he decided to test the waters of the MLS Re-Entry Draft on Monday.

He wasn't selected and opted for retirement instead when RSL offered him a scouting position on the team's technical staff working closely with general manager Garth Lagerwey.

"I thought it was going to push it one more year. It didn't fall the way that I expected and I decided to take a different route," said Williams, who said he's excited about his new endeavor, particularly the opportunity to keep his family in a city he loves.

Williams, 34, played 332 games in his MLS career, registering 30 goals and 86 assists. During his seven years with Real Salt Lake, he played in 189 league games with 14 goals and 29 assists.

Williams has been a fan favorite with Real Salt Lake over the past seven years. The soccer community rallied around him back in 2008 when his wife was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. Numerous bone marrow drives were held to help her find a match.

RSL coach Jason Kreis, who leaned heavily on Williams throughout the 2011 season as the club dealt with numerous injuries and national call-ups, said Williams will certainly be missed on the field.

"Andy Williams has been an integral member of Real Salt Lake since the club's inception, an important player and a critical leader on and off the field and an integral part of the changing of the culture of our club, but, most importantly, Andy has been a terrific personal friend and family member of RSL," said Kreis, a teammate of Williams' for two-plus years before his own retirement in 2007.

"While it is always disheartening to see the playing career of someone you truly care about come to an end, I can honestly say that I am pleased it has come to an end wearing the RSL colors, and that he has chosen to stay with this club as we embark on another great journey to rebuild.