Veteran Miami defender Wade Webber has announced that he is retiring from professional soccer and returning to his former career as a school teacher. “I have accepted a position to teach history at Thomas Jefferson High School in Federal Wasy [Wash.],” said Webber, who is originally from the greater Seattle area. “I’m going to miss being down here. I’m going to miss the team. I’m going to miss the fans especially. Since I got here, they’ve been nice to me in a manner that is beyond what anybody could have expected. You expect them to be nice to the superstars, but you don’t expect them to be nice to the working stiffs.” Webber, 32, played in MLS for over two seasons, appearing in 52 games and winning the 1997 U.S. Open Cup with the Dallas Burn. He was a regular in the Fusion starting eleven this season until a season-ending injury suffered against the MetroStars on May 15. “I am convinced that I have a couple of more years of professional soccer in me, if that’s what I wanted, but I don’t have the burning desire anymore.” Webber said. “He has been a leader on the field and a role model in the community,” said Fusion managing director Doug Hamilton. “Everyone in the Fusion family will miss him greatly. We wish him the best.” Webber, who may stay involved in the sport as a high school coach, will now have time to focus on his other passion — writing. He has been working on several books, including some for children, which he hopes to complete and publish in the future.