Clint Dempsey claims he was reluctant to leave Tottenham but is now relishing the prospect of making a significant impact in America’s Major League Soccer.
The 30-year-old returned to his homeland last week after just one season at White Hart Lane following his £6million arrival from Fulham.
It is believed that Seattle Sounders paid the same figure and Dempsey signed a four-year contract worth £3.25m per season, making him the fourth highest paid player in MLS history.
Dempsey’s move came as something of a shock, not least to the player himself.
He said: “I had two years left on my contract at Tottenham. To be honest with you, going back to pre-season, I thought I would be there [this season] but I guess it was just timing.
“The right situation came along. The MLS and the Seattle Sounders moved mountains to get me back and I wanted to come back when I could still do it. I didn’t want to come back when I was past it because I wanted to make an impact.
“I don’t know what my effect will be so we will just have to wait and see. I am looking forward to getting back and playing more of the style of football I fell in love with — the South American style, being more creative on the ball and having that little bit more freedom to try things.”
