Javier Morales: “It is time to leave” Real Salt Lake

Javier Morales is leaving Real Salt Lake.

It’s as simple as it sounds, but we’re still waiting for further details about what exactly this means.

Morales, 36, has played for Real Salt Lake since joining the club in 2007. This comes as a quick surprise, and he doesn’t give many details.

We’ll continue to report on Morales, his impact on Real Salt Lake, and more over the coming days and weeks.

For convenience, here’s Morales’ statement in its entirety.

It is always difficult to say goodbye, but this goodbye hurts a little more. After 10 years it is time to leave a place which has felt like my home. A place in which the people, not only from the club, but also from the city have made it feel that way. A place where I have a lot of memories, good and bad. A place in which my second son was born. A place where we became champions, making history not only for the club but also for the city. A place where after suffering a horrific injury it supported me unconditionally and gave me the strength to return to play. A place in which I am going to leave many friends and good people. A place and a club that I'll never forget. Thank you for sharing these 10 years with me. I would love to say goodbye on the field, one more game with the Rio Tinto packed as usual, but it isn't that case. For this and much more this goodbye hurts. So I won't say "Goodbye". I'll say Go Real!!

Dedicated to the RSL fans , to my teammates, my friends and to the people of Utah. You will always be in my heart.

Javi Morales #11