Danny Allsopp has admitted the decision to sign with MLS club DC United was based on the fact that it was too good an opportunity to pass up.

The 31-year old striker penned a two-year deal with the Washington-based club yesterday after ending his contract with Qatari team Al-Rayyan and said the fact he had already committed to being away for three years helped him not rush back to the Melbourne Victory and take up an enormous chance in the rapidly growing American game.

"I didn't leave on bad terms with Melbourne Victory," Allsopp said.

"If it wasn't for (coach Ernie Merrick) and all the players, I wouldn't have had the opportunity that I did. I'm really grateful to everyone at the club. But this is just what I need to do at this point in my career.

"When we came up with options of what to do next, we had to look at some things.

"We'd already decided we were going to Qatar for three years, so we'd committed to being away and we're excited by the prospect of going to the MLS. It will be good for the family and the experience."

Allsopp will link up with his new teammates in Washington next month to prepare for the 2010 MLS season which kicks off in late March.