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Robbie Keane leaving LA Galaxy after six seasons but hopes to keep playing

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Video via MLS: Robbie Keane leaving LA (1:23)

Bruce Arena and Chris Klein discuss Robbie Keane's impact on the LA Galaxy after Keane announced his departure from the club. (1:23)

Striker Robbie Keane is leaving the LA Galaxy after six seasons, the MLS club announced on Thursday.

Keane, 36, scored 92 regular-season goals in his time in California while helping the Galaxy win three MLS Cups.

He won the league's MVP in 2014 and the Galaxy named him as the club's player of the year each season from 2012-2015.

But with his contract set to expire at the end of December, the striker said it was time to move on.

"It's been a privilege to have played my part in the history of such a great club and I leave with memories that will stay with me forever," Keane said in statement.

"Winning three MLS Cups, scoring over 100 goals for the club and being named as 2014 MVP are all achievements that I will look back on with pride, it's been an incredible experience, I've truly loved every minute of my time at LA Galaxy."

Keane retired from the Republic of Ireland national team this summer, but he said he's not yet ready to stop playing entirely.

"I believe that now is the right time for a new challenge as I look towards the next chapter of my playing career. I still feel as fit and sharp as ever and I am looking forward to my next adventure.

"Having now retired from international football I am ready to focus everything I have on one last major challenge in club football and will be taking time out to consider my options before announcing my next move."

Keane joined the Galaxy in August 2011 after a career in England, including 80 goals for Tottenham.

In 2016, he missed roughly half of the Galaxy's season injuries while Giovani dos Santos and Gyasi Zardes supplanted him as the Galaxy's top offensive threats. He came off the bench as a substitute in each of the Galaxy's three playoff games.

"It is hard to put into words what Robbie Keane has meant to the LA Galaxy," coach Bruce Arena said. "From day one, Keane has given everything to this team both on and off the field and has led our club to some of its greatest accomplishments.

"His resume and accomplishments speak for themselves; he has been the most successful international signing in this league's history.

"We thank Robbie for everything he has given to this club and this city and we wish him the best in whatever comes next in his career."

Keane's departure comes just two days after Steven Gerrard confirmed he is also leaving the Galaxy after one and a half seasons.

Arena, who sources said has been approached about replacing Jurgen Klinsmann as United States coach, said last week that he hoped both players would stay and sign new contracts.

The Galaxy will also wait to see if Landon Donovan decides to continue playing after he ended his retirement to join the Galaxy near the end of the season.