The Seattle Sounders announced on Tuesday that forward Clint Dempsey will not return to club action in the 2016 due to an irregular heartbeat diagnosed last month.
The 33-year-old Designated Player returned to limited training with the team on Sept. 14, but then GM and President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey said Tuesday the hope is to have Dempsey return next year if possible.
"If we we prioritize this now," Lagerwey said, "hopefully we can get Dempsey back in 2017."
Here's a look at how fans and pundits reacted to the news on social media.
After the news broke following training at Starfire Sports, broadcasters and supporters took to social media to wish Dempsey well in his recovery.