DaMarcus Beasley, who represented the United States at four World Cups, announced his retirement from international football on his Instagram account on Monday.

The 32-year-old called time on one of the longest and most prolific careers of any US player.

He is the only American to play at four World Cups and his 121 caps are the fifth most of any USA player.

His 17 international goals put him ninth on America's scoring list.

Beasley made his international debut in 2001, spending most of his international career as a winger before converting to left back ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

He started all four of the United States games in Brazil, playing every minute of the side's run to the round of 16.

He made his World Cup debut in 2002, and also played in the 2006 and 2010 editions.

"Where do I start? Honestly I never thought this day would come, representing my country has been the greatest thing I've done in my career," Beasley wrote on Monday.

"Every time I've pulled on our colors I tried to represent myself, my family and my country with the utmost respect.(and obviously tried to win) With that being said, I have officially retired from the U.S. Nat'l team," Beasley said. "I've been blessed to be apart of the United States Soccer Federation family for 17 yrs."

The move was something of a surprise. In July he told reporters he wasnt planning on retiring "anytime soon."

In November he played in the United States 2-1 friendly loss to Colombia at Craven Cottage in London.

Beasley gave no indication he planned to retire from club football, and is expected to suit up for Major League Soccer's Houston Dynamo again next season.

Beasley spent time with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, Glasgow Rangers, Hannover, Puebla and Chicago Fire before returning to Major League Soccer with Houston in 2014.

"I have so many memories from when I started with the U-15 nat'l team all the way to the men's team," said Beasley, who won four Gold Cup titles with the United States. "I've met so many great people along the way I wouldn't know where to start. To all my coaches and teammates, I just want to say thank you, thank you for making me the player I am and the man I will be in the future.

"I will never forget all the games, friendships, memories we all shared. One thing I hope you all will say about me is that I was a good teammate and always left everything on the field when I played. And lastly I want to thank all the fans that have supported me and the U.S. Team, without you guys we wouldn't be where we are today! Thank you all!!!"