United's Russell announces retirement

May 15, 2013 - 5:16 PM Washington, D.C. (Sports Network) - D.C. United defender Robbie Russell announced his retirement from soccer after 13 years in the game so that he can pursue a career in medicine.

Russell spent four productive years with Real Salt Lake from 2008-11, including a place in RSL's MLS Cup championship side in 2009.

He requested a trade to United in 2011 so that he could be closer to his family, and now Russell will step away from the game in order to enroll in Georgetown University's pre-med program.

"It's been one of those careers that if when I started I knew that was going to happen, I totally wouldn't have expected it," Russell said. "I'm very happy with my career - so, I'm just looking forward to going back to school, a little bit scared, but it's really exciting and it's a lot of fun. I love the guys in D.C. and they will always be a part of my soccer history."

The 33-year-old Russell ends his career having made 98 appearances in MLS, while he also spent time in Europe with clubs in Iceland, Norway and Denmark.