Freddy Adu

Name : Fredua Koranteng Adu
Nationality : US citizen
Date and Place of Birth: 2 June 1989 in Tema, Ghana (there are constant rumours that Freddy Adu is actually much older than he claims but these are so far completely unsubstantiated)
Playing Position : Attacking midfielder
Current Club : DC United (Major League Soccer)
Previous Clubs : No previous clubs

International Career : United States - 1 appearance, 0 goals

About Freddy Adu:
Freddy Adu currently plays his soccer at DC United in Major League Soccer but he began his career playing barefoot on the streets of his home town in Ghana. When he was eight years old his mother won an immigration lottery which saw Freddy and his family move to Washington DC in 1997 and he later began a US citizen in 2003.
At the tender age of 14 Freddy became the youngest professional athlete in modern American sports history and in the same year he made his professional debut in Major League Soccer.

Freddy Adu was called up to the US National senior soccer squad by coach Bruce Arena in January 2006 and on 22nd January 2006 he became the youngest player ever to compete for the National United Stated Soccer squad when he made his debut in a friendly against Canada. His hopes of playing in the 2006 World Cup were dashed when Arena left him out of the final squad that was to travel to Germany.

Recently Freddy Adu has been linked with a move to the English Premier Football League which could see the young man plying his trade with some of the best teams Europe has to offer. Whether Freddy stays in America or decides to move to Europe one thing is for certain and that is his career is only beginning and he is an up and coming talent to look out for.

Did You Know?
1. Fro Adu , Freddy Adu's younger brother, will play soccer for George Mason starting next season.
2. Freddy was born in Ghana and came to the US because his family won an immigration lottery.
3. Adu dated American pop singer JoJo, from May 2005 until September 2006
4. Italian Powerhouse InterMilan offered Freddy $750,000 when he was only 12! His mother, Emelia, refused to let him go.
5. Freddy has convinced his mom to let him go to Europe when he turns 18.
6. As early as age 6, Freddy would join pick-up games on pebbly fields with men three times his age.
7. Sports Illustrated confirmed with the Ghanaian government that Freddy Adu is not any older than he claims to be.
8. When Freddy entered the MLS at age 14, he became its highest paid player making $500,000.

Past News:
Michael Essien urges Freddy Adu to join him in playing for both Ghana and Chelsea.

Chelsea Midfielder Michael Essien urged Freddy Adu to come play with Chelsea. Both Essien and Adu were born in Ghana.

Adu has represented USA at various levels but has not made his senior bow and he is now mulling over an offer to represent his native Ghana.

The African's impressive World Cup campaign could convince Adu to make the switch and Essien, the Black Stars' key player, has spoken of his admiration for the hugely promising hit-man and in the process, pleaded with him to join Chelsea.

It has been widely speculated that Manchester United and Chelsea will be at the forefront of the queue if, and when, DC United decide to cash in, with Essien urging a switch to West London.

''Freddy is a really good young player,'' Essien told the Star on Sunday.

''I hope he joins me at Chelsea. It would make me very happy.

''It's now up to him to decide which country he wants to play for - and he would be more than welcome in our team.

''He's a good player, who has more to learn.''


D.C. United dismisses rumors of Adu transfer

Washington, D.C. (Sports Network) - D.C. United is responding to rumors that Freddy Adu is leaving Major League Soccer.

Reports have speculated that Adu could be leaving the United States, however, D.C. United President and CEO Kevin Payne said that Adu is expected to stay with the club through the 2007 season.

"Neither we nor the League has had any conversations with any club about a transfer of Freddy," Payne said in a statement.

Adu recently made his first international appearance with the U.S. Men's National Team last month.

"We have great faith in his qualities, and we remain convinced that in time he will realize his potential and become a terrific player by any standard."

D.C. United is currently in preseason training and is scheduled to travel to Florida to train at the IMG Academy on Wednesday.