United States international Carlos Bocanegra is keen to stay in the Barclays Premier League after being released by Fulham.

The 29-year-old was one of eight players let go by the London club, who secured their top-flight status on the last day of the season with a victory at Portsmouth.

The defender, who was preparing for his nation’s Wembley friendly with England next week, had been a regular pick at Craven Cottage under Chris Coleman and Lawrie Sanchez but had fallen down the pecking order under current boss Roy Hodgson, who arrived in December.

He said: “I got a call about the release earlier today but I had known it had been coming for a while.

“I love England and had a great four-and-a-half years at Fulham. I would like to stay in the Premier League but I’m focused on the US team right now so I will let my agent handle all that. We have some big games coming up and then we have World Cup qualifiers.”

Bocanegra captained Fulham for the first time in a Premier League match in September 2007 against Spurs, and made his 100th Premier League appearance that same month in a match against Wigan Athletic.

Prior to signing for Fulham, Bocanegra played for Major League Soccer team Chicago Fire.

Bocanegra was well liked and the club and fans will wish him well.