Appiah pals slam quotes rubbishing MLS

Sources close to Stephen Appiah have slammed quotes attributed to the Ghana midfielder rubbishing talk of a move to MLS.

The Washington Post says DC United officials are unhappy their move for the midfielder was made public last week, while a source close to player said: "He is a very inclusive and positive person and, anyone who knows him, knows it's not in his personality to say something like that.

"To the contrary, the fact that Appiah was even open to the suggestion of playing in MLS validates his high respect for the league and the country. Every once in a blue moon, an opportunity presents itself where a player of his caliber can be brought [here], and this almost happened with Appiah, given his unique set of circumstances.

"It was just someone trying to put together a win-win situation in the interests of soccer in the States."