Clint Dempsey says his surprising decision to move from Europe back home and sign for the Seattle Sounders was made because he wanted to move back to the US in the prime of his career, rather than wait until his playing days were almost over.
“I just missed being in America,” Dempsey said on Monday after his move from Tottenham Hotspur. “I wanted to help continue the growth of the game here. You can’t help the growth of the game if you come back and you don’t perform.”
“I understand there is a lot of pressure on me to succeed, a lot of expectations that others have on me, but also the expectations I put on myself and when I decided to come back to this league, I want to make an impact. I want to do a good job. I don’t want to come and be passive and not be able to make a difference in games. I want to win things,” he said.
That pull was at the heart of Dempsey’s decision to have his agents contact Major League Soccer (MLS) late last month and start the process that was finalized over the weekend when Dempsey signed with the Sounders, bringing back arguably the best US player to the domestic league.
“I’ve been in Europe for six-and-a-half years and I just wanted to come home. Each year was getting more difficult to go back,” Dempsey said. “The Seattle Sounders moved mountains to get me here. It was an opportunity to come back when I was in my prime, and continue growth in the league and it’s a challenge.”
Thirty-year-old Dempsey played for the New England Revolution from 2004 to 2006 before joining Fulham in 2007. He moved to Tottenham last summer and scored 12 goals in 43 games, but was not a regular starter for Spurs, while being used in rotation with other attacking players.
Dempsey had two years remaining on his contract at White Hart Lane.
Dempsey said he has yet to talk with US national coach Jurgen Klinsmann about the move and a step down in competition level from what he would get staying in the English Premier League.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely