Freddy Adu, "The Natural" of soccer!

Freddy Adu

*On this date in 1989 Freddy Adu was born. He is Ghanaian-American soccer player.

Adu was eight years old when his mother, Emelia, won an immigrant visa in the US Green Card Lottery and the family moved to the USA. A natural ball player, in 1998, Adu's soccer ability came to the attention of the US Olympic Development Program and he attended trials for youth prospects at a US Soccer Federation Camp. He so impressed his coaches that he was chosen for a US regional select team and played in a series of games against Italian youth sides in 1999 and 2000.

The top Italian club, Inter Milan spotted his talent and immediately offered $700,000 to attach him to their youth program and oversee his soccer development. An offer his mother refused. After becoming an American citizen, Adu made his official US Under-17 National Soccer Team debut in March 2003 at the qualifying tournament for the Under-17 World Cup Championship. Since then, Adu has signed a $1million (630,000 UK pounds) sponsorship deal with Nike, the sports equipment manufacturer.

And now Britain suggest that Manchester United, the English Premier League giants want to sign the young superstar. Signing a professional contract would have to wait until his 17th birthday, 2006. Also Inter Milan and Man. Utd., two of the biggest clubs in Europe are excited. Freddy Kofi Adu is shaping up to be soccer's version of the American dream.

Reference:
Richard Tsong Taatarii,
Star Tribune
Associated Press
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