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Freddy Adu took Jurgen Klinsmann's advice in choosing Major League Soccer
After bouncing around Europe the last four years, the 22-year-old returned to MLS after speaking to the new U.S. team head coach.
Aug 12, 2011 2:28:00 PM
By Mike Slane
Getty
Jurgen Klinsmann's advice helped Freddy Adu make his latest career decision.
The new U.S. men's team coach told the 22-year-old that he needs playing time and needs to play well if he wants to secure a spot on the national level. A move back to Major League Soccer seemed to be best for Adu, who signed with the Philadelphia Union on Friday.
"That really helped me make the decision," Adu said. "Your ultimate goal is to always keep playing and be on the national team and represent your country, but first things first you have to sort out your club career and club situation. You have to be playing and helping your team."
Klinsmann did not dress Adu for last Wednesday's friendly against Mexico likely due to the fact that the midfielder was working on the deal with Philadelphia. But it can be expected that Adu will return to the national level as the team prepares for next spring's World Cup qualifying games.
Adu was a key player for the U.S. under coach Bob Bradley in June's Gold Cup, setting up goals in both the semifinal and final. During his introductory press conference with the Union, Adu thanked Bradley for giving him an opportunity to send his career back in the right direction.
"I think Bob Bradley, as Freddy said, did the first step to show the trust," said Union coach Peter Nowak, who coached Adu with the under-23 national team.
Adu spent the last four years in Europe. He last played in Turkey's second division on loan from Portuguese club Benfica.
The new U.S. men's team coach told the 22-year-old that he needs playing time and needs to play well if he wants to secure a spot on the national level. A move back to Major League Soccer seemed to be best for Adu, who signed with the Philadelphia Union on Friday.
"That really helped me make the decision," Adu said. "Your ultimate goal is to always keep playing and be on the national team and represent your country, but first things first you have to sort out your club career and club situation. You have to be playing and helping your team."
Klinsmann did not dress Adu for last Wednesday's friendly against Mexico likely due to the fact that the midfielder was working on the deal with Philadelphia. But it can be expected that Adu will return to the national level as the team prepares for next spring's World Cup qualifying games.
Adu was a key player for the U.S. under coach Bob Bradley in June's Gold Cup, setting up goals in both the semifinal and final. During his introductory press conference with the Union, Adu thanked Bradley for giving him an opportunity to send his career back in the right direction.
"I think Bob Bradley, as Freddy said, did the first step to show the trust," said Union coach Peter Nowak, who coached Adu with the under-23 national team.
Adu spent the last four years in Europe. He last played in Turkey's second division on loan from Portuguese club Benfica.
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