some half his age -- in Major League Soccer.
By the middle of October, MetroStars fans hoped their 2005 team MVP would return for another season.
On Monday, the MetroStars and their fans will have their hopes fulfilled as the team plans on announcing Djorkaeff's return for the 2006 season, according to a team source.
"This club, this city was my last dream. I was a lucky guy during all of my career. I have many things: many victories, many successes," said Djorkaeff at his introductory press conference in February. "It's a long story. I wanted this story. I wanted this deal."
In his first MLS season, Djorkaeff provided stability and veteran leadership to a primarily young roster. After overcoming an early season hamstring injury, Djorkaeff played 24 games, scoring 10 goals to go along with seven assists.
The former World Cup champion was eventually named team captain halfway through the season, taking over for 2004 MLS Honda MVP Amado Guevara.
In one of the team's best games of the season, Djorkaeff stepped up time after time in a 5-4 win against the New England Revolution on Sept. 17 at Giants Stadium. He assisted on the Metros' first goal by Mike Magee, scored the second and put home the game-winner in the 86th minute.
Djorkaeff also kept the club's late-season run to the playoffs alive by scoring the game-winning goal against D.C. United at RFK Stadium on Oct. 8.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
