BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. — Nery Castillo won’t be coming back to Chicago.
Fire technical director Frank Klopas told MLSsoccer.com on Tuesday that the club will not pick up its option for the on-loan striker, who signed a Designated Player contract with Chicago last July and was loaned to Greek club Aris FC during the offseason.
The Fire’s option to bring Castillo back to Chicago expires on Friday.
“We have that option, but he’s not a guy that fits,” Klopas said.
The 27-year-old Castillo was disappointing in his short stint in Chicago, struggling with his fitness level and failing to register a single goal or assist in eight games.
Despite those poor numbers, Klopas was complimentary of Castillo on Tuesday, telling MLSsoccer.com that he harbors no ill will toward the Mexican striker and that he wishes him the best in the future.
Klopas said that Castillo’s rights are now held by Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk, the same club that loaned Castillo to the Fire last summer.
Sam Stejskal covers the Chicago Fire for MLSsoccer.com. Email him at sam.h.stejskal@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @samstejskal.
