Ralph
CHICAGO, Illinois, CMC:
JAMAICA INTERNATIONAL Damani Ralph is leaving United States Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire to play in Europe with the Russian Premier League side FC Rubin Kazan.
On Monday, the Chicago Fire confirmed the departure of the 24-year-old striker, who was elevated to international status with the Reggae Boyz on the strength of his outstanding play with 'The Fire', especially in the 2003 MLS season.
"My time here in Chicago was great," Ralph said.
"I came as kind of a secret and got a few opportunities as a rookie and made some things happen and ended up having an unbelievable season, and while last season things weren't as good for the team, I tried hard and did well," said Ralph in an MLS website story.
Ralph described his time at Chicago Fire as a "wonderful experience" and listed his Jamai-can teammate Andy Williams, Chris Armas, Ante Razov, DaMarcus Beasley, and Carlos Bocanegra as outstanding teammates at Chicago.
GOOD WHILE IT LASTED
"It's kind of tough saying goodbye to everybody, but it was good while it lasted. Hopefully one day I'll be able to get back here," he said.
Ralph said Rubin Kazan played in the Champions League two years ago, and he would be anxious to join them in that league again.
"That's the biggest tournament in the world. It is a huge opportunity to have the chance to play in a tournament like that, and it provides me with a different experience right now," he said.
"I thought this would be a good chance for me to move on and see what might be in store for me out there and see if it might open some other doors. I'd like to thank MLS, my coaches and the Fire staff, especially (general manager) Peter Wilt, for everything they did for me during my time in Chicago."
In two seasons with the Fire, Ralph proved to be one of the league's most potent scorers, registering 53 points (22 goals, nine assists) in 51 appearances.
His standout performance in 2003, during which he set a new MLS record for goals by a rookie with 11, made him the hands-down winner of the MLS Rookie of the Year award.
"First, this is a great situation for Damani financially," said Wilt in the MLS story.
"This move will enable him to take care of himself and his family in Jamaica for life.
"Damani has been a great asset to the team and organisation. In only two years, he created some of the most exciting goals in Fire history. He has also been a wonderful representative of the Fire and a loyal part of the organisation off the field. I will miss him professionally and personally," Wilt added.
