Michael Parkhurst admits he would have remained in Germany if he was not a chance to represent the USA at this year's World Cup.
The 30-year old defender left FC Augsburg to join Columbus Crew during the MLS offseason and he insists the move is only to gain regular minutes as he strives to force his way into Juergen Klinsmann's roster for Brazil.
"If I wasn't involved with the national team, I would have stayed in Germany," the former New England Revolution and Nordsjaelland right-back told MLSsoccer.com.
"The family was happy, the level [of play] was good. I wasn't getting the games, but financially it was the best contract of my career.
"So if I didn't have a chance for Brazil, I think I would have stayed. But you don't get that chance for a World Cup too often, so I had to get out of there and give myself a chance."
He added: "I haven't been called in every time recently, so it's really important that I play well with Columbus in these first few months.
"I think I've done well with the chances I've gotten. But I missed out on some opportunities because of my lack of playing time last year. Some guys jumped ahead of me, and so I still think I have a lot to do for a spot in the 23 [in Brazil]."
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