Tim Howard is coming home.
The United States goalkeeper confirmed Sunday that he’ll transfer from Premier League club Everton to the MLS’ Colorado Rapids after 13 seasons in England. Howard will join the Rapids in May once Everton’s season is over.
“I’ve had a fantastic career in England and in particular at Everton, but as football clubs move forward and players have careers to think about you always have to make decisions,” Howard said, per Sky Sports.
“This one crept up on me — I had two more years at Everton which I planned on seeing out, but when I spoke to my family, (Everton manager) Roberto Martinez and the chairman I thought the decision and the timing … just seemed to be the right move.”
Howard began his career in the MLS in 1998 with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars before being transferred to Manchester United in 2003. The 37-year-old then spent 10 years with Everton after transferring in 2007.
Howard will take on an informal ambassador role with Everton once he joins the Rapids.
“Tim is such an incredible character,” Martinez said. “With certain players, their contribution goes a little bit further than starting in the team or not, and Tim is probably the perfect case of that.
“He is such an influence on the young players. We had a really good group of young players coming through in the last three years, and Tim has been a vital player in helping those players feel Everton and to understand what it takes to play in the team.”
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
