Red Bull New York announced today that standout defender Mike Petke will retire after the 2010 MLS season. Petke, a 13-year veteran and a fan favorite who played for New York for seven seasons over two stints, is the club's all-time leader in games started, games, and minutes played and was part of the team's All-Time Best XI that was unveiled earlier this year.

"After many months of contemplation, I know that this is the best choice for me and my family," Petke said. "When I first started playing in MLS, I could have not imagined the type of career I was so fortunate to experience over these past 13 years. I am indebted to my family, current and former teammates and coaches and the fans for their support and encouragement. I am at peace with my decision and blessed that I am able to end my career in a place where I truly call home."

"Mike is a consummate professional and has represented our club with heart and dignity. It is evident during my short time here why he is one of the team's most popular players all-time," said Red Bull New York Sporting Director and General Manager Erik Soler. "His ability, work ethic and leadership will be sorely missed, but we want to wish him the best of luck in this exciting new chapter of his life."

Petke, a three-time MLS All-Star, has featured in 167 regular season games for New York, starting in 158 of them and logging a total of 14,006 minutes. The Bohemia, NY native started his career with the MetroStars in 1998, being drafted in the first round (eighth overall) in the 1998 MLS College Draft. Petke played five seasons for the MetroStars and helped the club to its first-ever Eastern Conference championship in 2000.

The 34-year-old re-joined New York from the Colorado Rapids on Nov. 26, 2008 and played in 19 games in 2009. This season, Petke made 14 appearances, starting in 11, and he became only the 12th player in MLS history to appear in 300 regular season matches, reaching the mark with his start on May 20 against the Columbus Crew. In the Grand Opening of the club's brand-new stadium, Red Bull Arena, on March 20, Petke tallied the Red Bulls' second goal of the match off a close range volley en route to a 3-1 win over Santos FC.