Gonzales says quitting as of September 17

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Embattled U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said on Monday he was resigning as of September 17 but gave no reason for his sudden decision to depart after months of controversy.

In a statement at the Justice Department, Gonzales thanked President George W. Bush for his friendship and said despite his own troubles, he considered it a great privilege to have led the department.

"I have lived the American dream," Gonzales, the son of migrant workers, said. "Even my worst days as attorney general have been better than my father's best days." His departure ends a tenure marked by almost continuous controversy over civil liberties, the firings of U.S. prosecutors and whether he was truthful with Congress.