The Seattle Sounders’ latest big-name signing isn’t in midseason form like his new teammates, but Clint Dempsey is looking forward to getting right to business – scoring goals – when he suits up for his new club.
“Hopefully,” he told Seattle TV's broadcast team at halftime of the Sounders’ match versus FC Dallas on Saturday night. “That’s always the ideal situation: come in and get straight to scoring goals. Hopefully, it will be a smooth transition and I’m excited about coming out here.”
Dempsey, 30, was presented to the fans at CenturyLink Field prior to the match after several madcap days of Twitter rumors and buzz about the former New England Revolution player’s return to MLS.
“This is the league that gave me the opportunity, gave me my chance to be a professional,” Dempsey said. “I’m happy to come back in my prime and not come back past it.”
Dempsey, who transferred from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, is expected to begin training with the Sounders on Monday and then make his debut next weekend, August 10.
He will wear the #2 jersey, which is currently worn by first-year right back DeAndre Yedlin. Yedlin tweeted on Saturday that Dempsey might have a fight on his hands for the #2 jersey.
“It’s a hostage negotiation situation,” Dempsey joked with the Seattle TV broadcast. “I’m sure there will be some kind of compensation. We’ll work it out.”
