CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device
SAN JOSE — Chris Wondolowski, Major League Soccer’s all-time leading goal scorer and erstwhile captain of the Earthquakes, has signed a new contract that will allow him to retire in San Jose after the 2020 season.
“This club means so much to myself and my family,” Wondolowski said Tuesday in a teleconference. “I’m honored to finish it here. I appreciate the club taking the chance on me.”
Wondolowski, 36, said that he agreed to terms that no longer makes him a highly paid designated player or in the category of what is known as targeted allocation money that pays at least $480,000.
Wondolowski, who grew up in Danville and is a De La Salle High School alumnus, earned $800,000 this past season, according to figures provided by the MLS Players Association.
After 12 seasons in San Jose, the 🐐 has a big announcement he wants to share with you…@ChrisWondo | #VamosSJ pic.twitter.com/By4akDtsul
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) October 22, 2019
Wondolowski scored 15 goals last season for the Quakes, including a four-goal game against Chicago in which he broke Landon Donovan’s all-time league scoring record. He now holds a 14-goal lead over Donovan with 159 career goals.
Wondolowski said he knew he wanted to return in 2020 as early as the preseason this year because of the changes made by new coach Mattias Almeyda.
The Quakes started cold in 2019 with four straight losses in MLS play. But they made a big turnaround after the slow start and were in playoff contention until losing their last six games.
Wondolowski said the core team members learned much from the tough ending. He said players such as Tommy Thompson, Nick Lima and Jackson Yueill will be much better prepared to withstand difficult stretches next year.
“It was nice to have that turnaround,” said Wondolowski, who added that he started the season wondering if he could keep up with younger and faster players.
“I worried if my body could handle it,” he said. “It was humbling at times.”
But his goal-scoring prowess told the striker he could “hold my own and it showed me I could do another year.”
Wondolowski probably will be honored throughout the 2020 season as he visits many stadiums for the final time as a player. He said Tuesday he does not want to be given any special treatment.
“But I will enjoy each road trip,” said Wondolowski, who hopes to work with the Quakes’ youth academy after he retires. “Even the last preseason practice. I will work harder than I ever have and leave nothing on the table.”
Wondolowski said he will try to score 10 or more goals for the 11th consecutive year even if he has a reduced role with the team.
“My goals will change drastically,” he said. “But I’ve seen the MLS season — it is long and grueling. There is a patch in the year if you stay healthy and sharp, I see myself scoring 10 or plus goals. I’m going to do whatever it takes.”
But mostly, he added, all that matters is winning.
“I don’t have to chase anything or go after any numbers other than the win column,” Wondolowski said.
SEASON PASS DIGITAL OFFER
If you have not already, we strongly encourage you to sign up for a digital subscription, which gives you access to all content on the Mercury News and East Bay Times websites. With your support, we can continue bringing these stories — and much more — to your screens. Here’s where to sign up for the season pass: Mercury News, East Bay Times.