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Multiple-time American champion Ryan Villopoto made his retirement official overnight in a joint statement released by Villopoto, Kawasaki Motors and Monster Energy.

The 27-year-old has been absent from MXGPs since sustaining a coccyx and back injury during the Italian GP earlier this year, now confirming he won’t be back following a decorated career.

“I am grateful for having had the opportunity to do something I have loved since I was a kid and make it into my livelihood,” Villopoto said. “I am grateful for the support of my family for all the years they spent hauling my bikes and me around to races, interrupting their lives in the process.

“I am grateful for the support of my many sponsors through the years, first and foremost Kawasaki, which has been my bike of choice since my Team Green days. They have been with me through ups and downs, serious injuries and great successes. Kawasaki is a brand that is synonymous with my racing career.

“I am grateful to have had the chance to race with the very best in world, my competitors in supercross and motocross, as well as MXGP. I am grateful to know that our competitiveness helped to continue the growth of our sport.”

During his career Villopoto swept three consecutive AMA Motocross championships from 2006-2008 in the 250 Class, while also claiming the 2007 Western Regional 250SX crown. On the KX450F Villopoto won four-straight Monster Energy AMA Supercross titles from 2011-2014, as well as two AMA Pro Motocross titles in 2011 and 2013.