Sporting world celebrates Howard after final home game

Fans around the globe celebrated Tim Howard’s career on Sunday as the legendary American and former Premier League goalkeeper played his final home game with Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer before he retires.

Using the hashtag #ThankYouTim, former clubs, team-mates and supporters paid homage to the 40-year-old who spent 13 seasons serving Manchester United and Everton in the Premier League.

Iconic American names in the sport and former team-mates sent messages to Howard, including Landon Donovan, Brian McBride, Claudio Reyna and Brad Guzan.

Additionally, Howard's mother Esther shared a heartwarming story with the league and reflected on her son's historic career.

American sports teams the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche celebrated the moment with personal messages for Howard, as well. 

Howard’s Premier League career spanned nearly 400 games, making him the American to play the most times in the competition's history.

He also racked up the seventh-most clean sheets among all goalkeepers, with 132.

During his time with Man Utd he was named to the PFA Best XI, and his storied career at Everton resulted in him setting the club record for clean sheets in a season and becoming only the fourth goalkeeper to score a goal in league history. 

The Colorado Rapids, with which he spent his last four seasons, marked the occasion with a large TIFO display, a post-game ceremony, and a video documenting his career through the eyes of former team-mates, family members, coaches and even President Obama.

While clubs and players shared their messages, there was no shortage of fans both in the U.S. and England who reflected positively on Howard's career, too.

They took to Twitter to show their appreciation for one of the greatest Americans to play the game.