U.S. star McBride to return to MLS
Brian McBride earned 95 caps and scored 30 goals during 13 years with the national team.
Simon Bruty/SI
LONDON (AP) -- Brian McBride is leaving Premier League club Fulham to return to the United States.
"After much consideration with my family, we have decided to leave Fulham after 4? fantastic years," the veteran striker said in a statement Wednesday on the club's Web site.
"I have always stated my intention to return to America at some stage and this seems like the right moment in my career to move on."
McBride, the only United States player to score in two different World Cups, did not elaborate.
MLS spokesman Will Kuhns said "negotiations are in the preliminary stage" with McBride, who would return to an MLS team through the league's allocation process. The method gives teams priority in reverse order of finish the previous season.
Because the expansion San Jose Earthquakes already have used their allocation this season, Toronto would have the first option to acquire McBride, Kuhns said. He did not give any expectation when McBride would be back in an MLS uniform.
The 35-year-old forward is out of contract and had avoided discussing his future until the end of the season when Fulham narrowly avoided relegation to the League Championship.
"I take great pride in the fact that my last appearance for Fulham saw the club maintain its Premier League status," McBride said. "I leave with some wonderful memories from my time at Fulham and the club will always be in my heart."
McBride scored 40 goals in more than 150 appearances for the Cottagers. He has been at Fulham since January 2004 and also played with Everton and Preston and the Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew.
He dislocated his kneecap in August. Although McBride scored just three more goals after returning to action in February, his ability to hold up the ball, distract defenses and win headers helped galvanize the team.
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Brian McBride to leave Fulham and return to United States - Soccer - SI.com