Doyle retires from playing pro soccer

Colorado Rapids striker Kevin Doyle has announced his retirement from professional soccer.

The 34-year-old Irishman has been dealing with concussion symptoms. He announced Thursday on Twitter that multiple concussions led to his decision.

“This year it has been clear to me that heading the ball was becoming problematic and causing me to have repeated headaches,” Doyle said on Twitter. “Two concussions this season and numerous others over the years have made this more concerning. After consulting the experts in this field, it has been decided that to avoid the possibility of these symptoms becoming more serious and permanent, I will be hanging up my boots.”

Doyle played professionally for 16 years. He spent most of his career in Ireland and England before his three seasons with the Rapids.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time with the Colorado Rapids, and playing in MLS has been a fantastic experience,” Doyle in a news release. “I would have loved to have taken the opportunity offered to stay for another year. The staff, players and fans here have made me and, more importantly, my family feel at home in Denver, and we will miss it.”

Doyle appeared in 71 league games with the Rapids, scoring 16 goals and also contributing eight assists. He was the third-highest-paid player among the Rapids, earning $1.05 million this season.