Wilman Conde can’t wait to get back on the field. And even though it seems Conde’s more concrete option is a return to Colombian side Millonarios FC, his memorable experience with the Chicago Fire is stirring a desire of a return to Major League Soccer.
The 29-year-old central defender has finally recovered after a left foot fracture kept him out of action for Mexican first-division side Atlas since May 2011. But he won’t be returning to the Guadalajara-based club for the Clausura 2012 after los Zorros put Conde on the transfer block, deeming he wasn’t in top condition ahead of the tournament.
“After recovering last semester, a new coaching staff came in and wanted to rebuild the team a certain way,” Conde explained to FutbolMLS.com. “Since I didn’t have the chance to play, they went with their people, hence my exit.”
But with a new year comes a fresh start for Conde.
“I spoke with the sporting director of Millonarios, and obviously we’ve got to reach an agreement,” he said. “But in the meantime, I’m just waiting to see what happens during the course of the week to also see if there’s a chance of my return to MLS, which I’m also interested in.”
Conde first arrived in MLS with Chicago back in 2007, when the Fire picked him up from Millonarios. The center back took on a leadership role in the back line and emerged as one of the league’s best defenders in his three years in the Windy City, including being named in the league’s Best XI in 2009.
“I had some very nice moments in Chicago,” Conde recalled. “I played in three conference finals and two All-Star games, and my teammates and I played at a high level.”
Conde left the Fire following the 2010 season at the top of his game to try his luck south of the border. But he feels he left with unfinished business.
“I left with a lot of friends, but what I didn’t do is win a championship and leave on the highest note,” he said. “You always want to win a title, so I always felt I left with a debt, and it’s a dream I want to fulfill.”
While Millonarios look to be ahead in the race for his services, Conde is just waiting for an offer from MLS to decide which road to take. The Fire still hold his MLS rights should he decide to return to the league.
“Wherever it is I go, I want to win,” said Conde. “I want to win a title and enjoy it. I really want to be a champion.”
