Josh Wolff announces retirement, joins D.C. United coaching staff full-time

D.C. forward Josh Wolff's playing days are officially over. Wolff announced his retirement in a statement released by the club Wednesday afternoon, and will join United's coaching staff on a full-time basis as an assistant coach. Wolff had been named a player-coach prior to the 2012 season.

"It's been a fun ride and I have had a lot of great experiences over the years in the League, abroad, and with the national team," said Wolff in the statement. "I'd like to thank everyone for the memories, advice, and direction over the years. Though I'm excited to take the next step in my career and to be joining such a great technical staff, I'm most excited to build upon what we did this past season as a group."

Wolff was selected by D.C. United in the re-entry draft prior to the 2011 season. He started 24 of the 39 MLS matches he played in for United, recording five goals and eight assists.

Wolff's professional career began with the Chicago Fire in 1998. He also played two stints with the Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting Kansas City), as well as German professional club 1860 Munich.

Wolff earned 52 caps for the United States National Team and represented his country at the 2000 Summer Olympics and 2002 FIFA World Cup.