Cuauhtemoc Blanco has declared he's leaving Chicago Fire. "I'm leaving this year," Blanco said. "My contract will be done, and I will leave happy because I have great teammates. It's a decision I made. I'm going to look for other options.

At the end of this season Blanco will be free to look for another club. He talked about returning to Mexico as well as joining a Major League Soccer team other than the Fire.

"I want to return to Mexico or see offers [in MLS] from another team, but this is my last year with the Fire," said Blanco, who didn't specify his reasons for wanting to leave. "I think I've made an impact here. But when this season ends, I'll look for other options.

"Right now the most important thing is to do well with Chicago and then look toward the future. The truth is I have great teammates. They've treated me well."