Major League Soccer officials are denying reports published by 'The Times of London' that 16-year-old American soccer phenom Freddy Adu will soon sign with Chelsea of the British Premier League. According to the story, MLS was to receive a transfer fee of $8.7 million for Adu's services.
'We haven't had any discussions with any club about a transfer for Freddy,' MLS deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis said Tuesday. 'He plays for D.C. and will be playing for D.C. for the foreseeable future.'
Kevin Payne, the president of the D.C. United, where Adu presently plays, also denied that the teen sensation would be leaving the nation's capital any time soon.
'Freddy Adu is a member of D.C. United, and we expect him to remain so through the 2007 season,' Payne said. 'Neither we nor the league has had any conversations with any club about a transfer of Freddy. Freddy knows the task before him this year is to continue to improve and become a game-in, game-out contributor to the success of D.C. United.'
Adu was suspended by the United last season for one playoff game after he complained about his lack of playing time. Pre-season practice for the 2006 season started yesterday and Adu was present with his teammates and sounded upbeat.
'I'm glad to be coming back to D.C. United,' Adu said. 'I don't want to go anywhere else. I get the best of both worlds, getting to live at home and play for the best franchise in MLS.'
For now, the United do not seem ready to bid adieu to Adu.
