Impact designated player Marco Di Vaio to retire at end of season

After months of speculation Montreal Impact forward Marco Di Vaio has confirmed that he will retire at the end of the MLS season.

“After a 20-year career, I am pleased to announce that I will be retiring in Montreal as a member of the Impact,” said Di Vaio in a statement. “I am very proud of what I’ve accomplished over two decades as a pro. It was a dream of mine to play at the highest level and I will look to make the best of my final month as a player.”

Di Vaio, 38, joined the Impact in May 2012 as the team's first designated player just a few months into their inaugural MLS season.

The veteran striker was a finalist for league MVP in 2013, scoring 20 goals in 33 games and helping Montreal make the MLS playoffs for the first time in club history.

The Impact haven't been able to replicate that success on the field this year. They've already been eliminated from playoff contention with four MLS games to play. Di Vaio and the Impact have two home games remaining, October 11 against New England and the season finale October 25 against D.C. United.

“Everything we asked of Marco has been delivered,” said Impact president Joey Saputo. “He accepted all the responsibilities that came with being a Designated Player. We thank him for everything he’s done for the club and the city.”

With Di Vaio's future decided, Montreal can move forward as the team looks to bounce back next season.

29-year-old forward Ignacio Piatti was signed as a DP this summer and has impressed so far with four goals in six games.