BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – After Robbie Rogers began training with the LA Galaxy this week, Chicago Fire head coach Frank Klopas knows it's only a matter of time before the Galaxy come calling about the former US national team midfielder, whose MLS rights are owned by the Fire.
But first and foremost, Klopas' goal still is to bring the 25-year-old to Chicago.
“At some point, I'm sure they will [call],” Klopas said. “For us, he's a very good player, so we'd like to have him here with us. ... The first option is always to bring him to our team."
The Fire acquired Rogers' MLS rights from Columbus shortly before the midfielder came out as gay and took a step back from soccer in February.
READ: Robbie Rogers a special guest at LA Galaxy training Tuesday
The former Crew midfielder, who was released by Leeds United three months ago, has indicated that a return to soccer may be on the horizon, and a return to his native Southern California appears to be his preferred destination.
But if Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena wants Rogers to suit up for his squad, the two-time defending champs will likely have to give something up.
“It's great, with his home in LA, for him to go back and play, that's great news,” Klopas said. “Before he came out, we made that move because we believe Robbie Rogers is a very good player and we knew at some point that he was leaving his team in England. That hasn't changed.
"It's great that he came out, that's all great, and a lot of people support him. We are, too. He's a young guy, it's great for him to come back and play. That's why we took his rights.”
