Toronto announces retirement of defender Brennan

Toronto FC announced Wednesday that defender Jim Brennan has retired. The captain and Canadian international will be take on the role as Assistant Manager, working alongside director of scocer Mo Johnston.

"Jim Brennan was my first signing when I came to the club," said Johnston in a press release. "From the first day he's been an ambassador not only for Toronto FC, but for the city as well. We can't thank him enough for the contributions he's made to this team both as a captain, and off the field as well. Jimmy has been thinking about his next step for awhile, and has come to me to talk about what that might be numerous times. We've decided the time is right, as we continue to build and move forward."

Brennan, 32, was the first player signed by Toronto in 2006 and has been the club's only captain. The defender finishes his career in Toronto having played 84 games, scoring four goals and adding four assists.

"I have been talking about making a move upstairs like this for awhile," said Brennan in a press release. "Mo and I have spoken about my future within the organization and I jumped at this chance. I want to thank all the fans for their support; they've been wonderful to me -- as well as Mo and the coaching staff for supporting me in my decision. I am very excited to get started in my new role with the club."