McBride leaving Fulham; Fire in his future?

LONDON -- Brian McBride is leaving Fulham of England's Premier League to return to the United States and continue his soccer career.

"After much consideration with my family, we have decided to leave Fulham after 4½ fantastic years," said the 35-year-old forward in a statement Wednesday on the club's Web site.

"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."

McBride, the Arlington Heights native who starred at Buffalo Grove High School, told ESPN soccer analyst John Harkes that he has not made any decision about where he will play next season.

It has long been rumored, however, that McBride might return to MLS to play for the Chicago Fire, his hometown club.

"Brian told me that he believes he has a lot of good soccer left in him," said Harkes in his ESPN.com report, "but it will not be with Fulham. He also said he's leaving the club on excellent terms."

McBride was a seven-time all-star for Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew, where he played from 1996-04. If McBride does sign with MLS, Toronto would have the first chance to sign him. However, Toronto could sign him and trade him to a team of his choice.

McBride represented the United States in the last three World Cups before he retired from international play in 2006. He scored memorable goals in American triumphs over Portugal and Mexico in 2002.

He was a captain with Fulham and scored 40 goals in 150 appearances for the English club.

"I take great pride in the fact that my last appearance for Fulham saw the club maintain its Premier League status," McBride said. "I leave with some wonderful memories from my time at Fulham, and the club will always be in my heart."

Fulham apparently felt the same way.

"His performances helped us retain our Premier League status," Fulham manager Roy Hodgson said. "The club would have liked Brian to stay for at least another year but respect the decision he has made with his family."

McBride dislocated his kneecap in August. Although he scored just 3 more goals after returning to action in February, his ability to hold up the ball, distract defenses and win headers helped galvanize the team.