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Ricochet · 20-11-2003, 03:25 PM

http://www.turfmonster.com/content/?ContentId=1175

I will leave my mark - Adu

Brand new MLS signing Freddy Adu said he will leave his mark on MLS as soon as possible, as the youngster prepares to enter the professional stage of his career.

The 14 year-old Ghanaian-born American decided against a move to one of the big English powers to stay in America and follow the path that has eventually lead overseas for the likes of Brad Friedel and Tim Howard. At the same time he will become MLS' youngest player, and the youngest ever in modern American sports history, and an icon.

"I am excited to begin my professional career in MLS," said Adu, who will play with DC United near his hometown of Potomac, Maryland. "I grew up watching MLS and I look forward to the challenge. This league will help me develop as a player and I hope I can leave my mark as soon as possible."

It seems that proximity to his mother Emelia and younger brother Fredua played a large part in the youngster's choice. And while money (between his contract with MLS and Nike) will not be a problem, the Adu family seemingly made this decision based on his immediate career.

"We wanted to allow Freddy to pursue his dreams and develop his God-given talents," said Emelia. "As he makes this next step at the age of 14 it was best for Freddy to stay in America and sign with MLS. Having the opportunity to stay at home in the U.S. and at the same time play at a high level was the top priority in the decision making process."

Unknown is the length of the contract MLS signed with the teen phenom. Reports have the contract somewhere between four and six years (including options), but any player under 18 cannot sign for more than three per FIFA regulations. Also playing a part in the decision was the ability to play professionally immediately in MLS. If Adu was to sign with an European club, he would not be able to play with the first team until he turned 18-in June 2007.

The signing is a major feather in the cap of the league, and MLS commissioner Don Garber is understandably touting Adu and his future in the United States' top flight.

"Major League Soccer and fans across the country are thrilled that Freddy and his family chose MLS," said Garber. "He is widely considered the best young soccer player in the world and we believe that playing in his home country in MLS will further develop him as a player and most importantly as a person.

"The fact that the majority of up-and-coming American soccer stars continue to make MLS their preference over international clubs is evidence that the competitive level of our League ranks with the best in the world."

20-11-2003, 03:25 PM	#87 (permalink)
Ricochet TS Member Favourite Team: USMNT, Manchester United Ricochet is Offline Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: New York Posts: 4,405 vCash: 500 Rep: Rep Points: 698 Country:	http://www.turfmonster.com/content/?ContentId=1175 I will leave my mark - Adu Brand new MLS signing Freddy Adu said he will leave his mark on MLS as soon as possible, as the youngster prepares to enter the professional stage of his career. The 14 year-old Ghanaian-born American decided against a move to one of the big English powers to stay in America and follow the path that has eventually lead overseas for the likes of Brad Friedel and Tim Howard. At the same time he will become MLS' youngest player, and the youngest ever in modern American sports history, and an icon. "I am excited to begin my professional career in MLS," said Adu, who will play with DC United near his hometown of Potomac, Maryland. "I grew up watching MLS and I look forward to the challenge. This league will help me develop as a player and I hope I can leave my mark as soon as possible." It seems that proximity to his mother Emelia and younger brother Fredua played a large part in the youngster's choice. And while money (between his contract with MLS and Nike) will not be a problem, the Adu family seemingly made this decision based on his immediate career. "We wanted to allow Freddy to pursue his dreams and develop his God-given talents," said Emelia. "As he makes this next step at the age of 14 it was best for Freddy to stay in America and sign with MLS. Having the opportunity to stay at home in the U.S. and at the same time play at a high level was the top priority in the decision making process." Unknown is the length of the contract MLS signed with the teen phenom. Reports have the contract somewhere between four and six years (including options), but any player under 18 cannot sign for more than three per FIFA regulations. Also playing a part in the decision was the ability to play professionally immediately in MLS. If Adu was to sign with an European club, he would not be able to play with the first team until he turned 18-in June 2007. The signing is a major feather in the cap of the league, and MLS commissioner Don Garber is understandably touting Adu and his future in the United States' top flight. "Major League Soccer and fans across the country are thrilled that Freddy and his family chose MLS," said Garber. "He is widely considered the best young soccer player in the world and we believe that playing in his home country in MLS will further develop him as a player and most importantly as a person. "The fact that the majority of up-and-coming American soccer stars continue to make MLS their preference over international clubs is evidence that the competitive level of our League ranks with the best in the world." __________________ "Everyone on this forum is dumber for having read this post."