United States Men's National Team captain Tim Ream has confirmed his retirement from international soccer after 16 years representing his country. The central defender announced his decision as he was honored ahead of an international friendly against Chile in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri.
Before kick-off, Ream received a framed USA jersey featuring the number 86, representing the total number of games he played for his country since making his international debut in 2010. He saluted the crowd alongside his wife and three children during an emotional pre-game ceremony on the field.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino's squad went on to secure a 4-2 victory over Chile, capping a celebratory evening for the veteran player in front of his home fans.
Confirming international retirement
Speaking in a press conference before the Chile match, Ream clarified his future after team officials initially described the presentation as a recognition of his service to the national team.
"Am I retiring from the national team is what you're asking?" Ream said. "Let's shoot it straight here. This conversation was had already with Mauricio and I told him that yes, I know I've said in the past that I won't retire from the national team until I retire completely from the game, but the kids are getting younger and younger, and I don't mean my own kids."
Ream confirmed that he had discussed his status with Pochettino prior to the current training camp and agreed that he would no longer feature for the national team.
"This has been discussed and before this camp it was discussed that I would not be a player with the national team any more," Ream said.
"So it is retirement. We've used the word recognition. We weren't really sure how we want to label it. But that's it for me. I'm proud of being part of something for 16 years, but it is time to step away and stay away from playing with the national team."
World Cup conclusion and squad transition
Ream's international farewell follows a challenging end to his tournament career. The central defender captained the United States during the World Cup on home soil, which ended in a humbling 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16.
The national team is now entering a new era following that World Cup disappointment. Manager Mauricio Pochettino opted to field a very young squad during the current international window as the coaching staff builds for a future without the veteran defender.
Despite the end of Ream's international playing career, Pochettino praised the veteran's leadership and professional conduct during their time working together.
"I think he was humble enough," Pochettino said ahead of the Chile fixture. "He was always defending his team, the teammates, but always with empathy for [the coaching staff] and helping in every single decision."
Family focus and club career
Following the presentation and the match in St. Louis, Ream reflected on his decision during a television interview on TNT Sports with former national team teammate Brad Guzan.
When asked what he was most looking forward to with his new free time, Ream explained that he wanted to prioritize spending weekends with his family after missing major milestones during his 16-year international tenure.
"Honestly, I look forward to doing a little bit more fishing, little bit more golfing," Ream said. "You know what though, honestly, I've missed so much of my kids' sporting events. Being away, not just for club but you're away for weeks with country."
"And just being able to go to a swim meet on a Saturday and watch my kids swim all day, and just be a cheerleader, is something I'm looking forward to. I've got a few projects I want to get into in and around the house. I don't know that my wife's going to allow me to do that, but that's on the agenda."
While Ream is done playing in a USA jersey, he will continue his professional club career in Major League Soccer with Charlotte FC. The defender previously played in England's Premier League before returning to domestic soccer in North America.
