Read exclusive articles from Peter as he gives his unique perspective on soccer related subjects. The first article in this series is Peter's retirement statement from the game.

When I first met with Bob Bradley in Munich, Germany, to discuss his plans as the new head coach for a MLS team in Chicago, my first impression was that this man is similar to me in that he has a strong desire to win. At the same time, my friend, Shep Messing, was trying to convince me to join MLS and as my knowledge of the league grew deeper, I became more and more enticed with committing to the league. I knew Chicago had a rich tradition of sports and the thought of bringing glory to a new soccer sporting franchise in Chicago seemed like an outstanding career opportunity for me.

With Bob Bradley, Shep Messing and Sunil Gulati, I made my decision to join the Chicago Fire within 15 minutes. Today, I can honestly say that was the best quick decision in my life, as it set me on the path of an incredible adventure in my soccer career. From the first moment I wore the #10 Chicago Fire uniform, I felt very strongly the adventure would have to end with the Fire Red on my back.

It is with this thought in mind, and on my heart that I would like to take today to announce my official retirement from professional soccer.

During the past five fantastic years, I have met and consistently come into contact with people who with their passion, commitment and dedication to soccer have made Chicago one of the best soccer scenes in the country. The team I captained over the past five years had the mentality of champions at all times, and with the fans on our side as the all important 12th man, we were able to win such achievements as the MLS Cup 98 and both the 1998 and 2000 U.S. Open Cup for my adopted hometown, Chicago.

I’m sure the trademark and legacy of a champion’s attitude will stay with the Chicago Fire forever, as it will in my heart. But for me life has to go on and I knew sooner or later I would have to say the “game is over” and move on to the next chapter of my career.

Because of my personal situation, I cannot join New England Revolution but I would like to thank Mr. Gulati, Coach Steve Nicol, the entire New England staff, all the Revolution players and most importantly the Revolution fans for their efforts and such warm words in welcoming me to their organization.

I was very impressed with the Revolution’s performance last year and the club’s amazing run at the 2002 MLS Cup championship. Such commitment made my decision difficult, but I am confident the team will continue to have success in the future with the team foundation they have in place

Before I depart, I would like to take a brief moment to thank some special individuals I had the pleasure of interacting with during my career.

Thanks to my former coach Bob Bradley for believing in me and allowing me to have a key role within the makeup of the Chicago Fire team. Our combined achievements stand as a testament to your coaching skills and it was an honor to hoist our trophies to the fans together at the end of the season. Best of luck to you and your family with the MetroStars.

I’m eternally indebted to Chicago Fire GM Peter Wilt, a man who not only works tirelessly to tackle the front office and operations at the Fire but also truly gives his heart to soccer. It is rare when you find individual who makes time for everyone when he is in a position of power and Peter is such a person. The image and memory of Peter and I dancing and cheering with our fans after our first championship with pure joy is one I will never forget. Thank you, Peter, for all you have done for me during my time with the Fire.

My special thanks to Mr. Anschutz and his family. Mr. Anschutz, I have been privileged to share some fantastic times with you, and your kindness and generosity is next to none. I would like to say, that your vision, passion and commitment through AEG propels Major League Soccer and American Soccer on a whole to new levels.

To my teammates, both past and present, there are absolutely no words I can use to describe the feeling of how much I’m going to miss you. You were always there to support me and without any of you, all the individual accolades I have attained in the MLS would not have been possible. All of you made it a point to understand my drive and passion for winning, and in most cases fed my desire to give it my all whenever I took the field. Individually and combined you all made me a better player, and just as important your friendship made me a better human being.

I would like to thank the entire Major League Soccer organization for granting me the opportunity to embark on the wonderful journey of playing soccer in the United States. Because of your efforts with the league, soccer fans can enjoy first rate quality matches with top flight players. I firmly believe the United States National Team showing in the last World Cup is a testament to your success and stands as a calling card to the world at large.

A couple years ago, all U.S. players with promise and potential wanted to go abroad to play their craft. Now players desire to stay within Major League Soccer. I’ve always said that Major League Soccer has a great future and I know it will continue to be so. I am and will always be proud to have been a player with in such an outstanding league.

I would also like to thank the staff of the Fire’s front office who do everything they can to assist players in our day by day tasks, all of them make the life of us player’s a great deal easier with their commitment to the team.

Special thanks to my good friends and the companies that have sponsored me including Shep Messing, Jim Fannin with the S.C.O.R.E Performance System, Peter J. Haleas and the Bridgeview Bank, William Daluga from Nisen & Elliott, Ziggy Sekula of Centrum Sport, Lee Stern and the Stern Family, Hank Steinbrecher, Uwe Schoberth of USSportsLink, the entire staff of Polish Radio 1030 and the rest of the Polish Media, Tony Passero and Joseph Kaput and the rest of the Tribesoft team. Thank all of you for supporting me in these wonderful years.

And finally, my thanks and love to the Chicago Fire fans. The incredible atmosphere you created in the stadium with your chants and cheers was amazing. Your loyalty and constant support of the Fire overwhelmed me. Your fan clubs are admired throughout the league and the support you give is treasured by all the Fire players. Every time I heard the “Who’s the Best” chant, it made me dig deeper and try harder for all of you. It is time I sing to you…Who’s the Best? Fire Fans!!!!! Thanks to each and every one of you who came to see me play. I will miss you deeply.

In closing, I would like to say even though I’m retiring from the game, I look forward to maintaining my relationship with the Chicago Fire. Beyond my promise to continue my volunteer work with the Fire’s charitable organization the Fireworks for Kids Foundation, I am excited by the opportunity to assist the Fire in the area of youth development. The chance to pass my experience on to younger players and teach the benefits of leadership, vision, creativity, discipline and determination to enable them to be a star in the future is near to my heart. These principles will guide developing players not only on the soccer field, but also in school, work and private life. They are the same principles I will use when I embark on the next stage of my career – the dream of launching the Peter Nowak Soccer Academy. A dream I hope someday will come true.

With my beloved wife and I expecting our second child, and my first daughter continuing her education by advancing to College it is an exciting time of life for my family and I look forward to sharing it with them.

Once again thank you, everyone for five incredible, memorable and unforgettable years, I was and always will be deeply honored to have worn the number 10 jersey for the Chicago Fire.

Peter Nowak