Mike Magee insisted that he was not holding out for an improved Chicago Fire contract recently.
The reigning MLS MVP has been absent from Fire's preseason training in recent weeks with reports suggesting that he was away from the club in order to prompt a better deal on the current one which expires in 2015.
However, the former LA Galaxy ace has told the Chicago Tribune that his non-attendance has been due to personal issues and not a contract protest.
"I was not holding out," said Magee. "My personal situation is resolved."
He added of a possible new contract: "That's not up to me. I wish I wrote my own contract but unfortunately it's someone else's decision.
"If they offer me a long contract for a lot of money, I'd surely sign.
"I'd love to sign a long-term deal and play here forever, but that's not up to me."
Magee will get a chance to continue on from his brilliant 2013 form when the Fire meets Chivas USA in their 2014 MLS season opener at the StubHub Center this Sunday.
