Brian McBride has brought four year stay at Fulham to an end after deciding to return to the United States.
The veteran American striker, whose goals played a vital part in the Whites retaining their Premier League status earlier this month, met with Roy Hodgson to inform the Fulham manager of his decision. McBride, who scored 40 goals in 150 appearances for Fulham, was twice voted as the club’s player of the season and is especially popular with the club’s fans.
McBride said: “After much consideration with my family, we have decided to leave Fulham after four and a half fantastic years. 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.”
Hodgson added: “Brian McBride has been a fine ambassador for Fulham Football Club. As my captain last season Brian was truly respected in the dressing room and led by example on the pitch. The club would have liked Brian to stay for at least another year but respect the decision he has made with his family.”
Fulham have released a number of other players whose contracts expire this summer. They include American defender Carlos Bocanegra, who made 115 appearances in five seasons in west London, Tony Warner, Corrin Brookes-Meade, Jari Litmanen, Phillipe Christanval and Bjorn Runstrom.
