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Mexico legend Gerardo Torrado retires from professional football

Mexican midfielder Gerardo Torrado retired from professional soccer on Sunday, playing his last match as Indy Eleven drew 2-2 against North Carolina FC in the NASL.

Torrado went the full 90 minutes in the game, with the former Cruz Azul captain now set to join the Mexican federation (FMF) as the sporting director of national teams.

"It's been a fantastic experience," said Torrado of his career ahead of the game in an interview with ESPN Mexico.

"I'm ending a very important stage and when the next one starts I'll put all my energy, dreams and experience into it so it can be successful."

The 38-year-old played more games (143) for Mexico than anybody except Claudio Suarez and Pavel Pardo and came through Pumas' youth system, before moving on to Tenerife, Polideportivo Ejido, Sevilla, Racing Santander and Cruz Azul.

A veteran of three World Cups, Torrado is expected to travel with Mexico's men's national team for its games in Europe against Belgium on Nov. 10 and Poland on Nov. 13.