Former U.S. international Davy Arnaud announced his retirement on Thursday because of lingering concussion symptoms.
Arnaud, 36, was set to begin his third season with D.C. United, but instead will now join their coaching staff.
He started 21 games last season but suffered a concussion in practice in August.
Arnaud told the Washington Post that he still had a "drunk, dizzy feeling."
Thank you, @d_arnaud22, for a fantastic career & passion on & off the field.
Welcome to the #DCU coaching staff!https://t.co/YBdNrTGcgT - D.C. United (@dcunited) March 3, 2016"It's tough to come to terms with it because I love playing," he said.