Adu leaves United for Real

American soccer star Freddy Adu, who recently spent two weeks on trial with United, has left his club DC United to join Real Salt Lake.

The 17-year-old midfielder, who can’t play outside the US until his 18th birthday on 2 June next year, scored 11 goals in 87 appearances in the capital, and is excited with his move.

"I couldn't be happier to be here," Adu said. "It is something I wanted. They've worked so hard to get me here and I appreciate that. This sort of has the same feeling as when I first came into the league. I feel reborn."

Real Salt Lake chief executive Dean Howes was equally delighted. "This is an exciting day for our club," he announced. "Freddy is one of the most recognised names in American soccer. He instantly makes us a better team on the field and will raise our level of awareness off it."

Ghana-born Adu has been linked with a move to Europe when he turns 18 but Real Salt Lake general manager Steve Pastornini has urged him to stay in the MLS. "(Adu) has a contract with MLS right now. MLS has the option to, on our side, extend it through the end of the 2009 season," said Pastorino.

"Stay right here Freddy - our new stadium in Sandy would look so much better with you at the centre circle on opening day on July 4, 2008, and we are thinking that far ahead as Freddy being a part of our team. Freddy's a dynamic, brilliant young player who's going to have some opportunities overseas. We just hope that we can postpone those a little while and that you can bring a couple of championships here to RSL first before you go anywhere."