Dabo Calls it Quits

The ongoing saga of how poorly the Revs’ roster has been built continued this week, as oft-injured midfielder Ousmane Dabo announced his retirement on Monday.

Ousmane Dabo announced his retirement Monday. (Photo by CHRIS ADUAMA/aduama.com)

The 34-year-old center half was limited to three appearances this season, and never stayed healthy long enough to make an impact on the Revolution’s fortunes.

“This is a very tough decision for me, and I’m frustrated to have not been able to help the Revolution more,” Dabo said. “I’ve had some physical issues that I haven’t been able to heal, so I’ve decided to retire and release the club from my contract. I very much wish the New England Revolution all of the best and thank them for everything.”

Dabo was signed in February with expectation that the Revs wobbly midfield would be immediately fortified with the presence of the former Lazio player.

But, in his first week of pre-season training, the veteran midfielder was already on the training table due to a right quadriceps strain that would keep him out of action for the remainder of the preseason as well as the team’s first six regaular season games.

He made his MLS debut on May 7th against Colorado, but his time on the pitch was short-lived, as a right adductor strain forced him back to the sidlelines the following week.

He returned to the field in June, starting against FC Dallas (June 4) and New York (June 10) before he returned to the injury report due to his bothersome right quadriceps.

“We know this was not easy for Ousmane, but we respect the decision he’s made,” Vice President of Player Personnel Michael Burns said. “He is a true professional and provided leadership to our team this year when he was on the field. He’s had a terrific career, and we wish him all the best in whatever venture he chooses next.”

Dabo’s retirement makes him the fourth Revolution player in as many weeks to wave Foxborough goodbye. On June 30th, the team declined the contract options on Marko Perovic and Ilija Stolica, while Didier Domi was released from his contract on July 15th.

The departure of Dabo leaves the team with 25 players on their roster, five short of the maximum.

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