Toronto FC marquee signing Michael Bradley has revealed that he was paying attention when Clint Dempsey departed the English Premier League to join Seattle Sounders last year.
The USA national team captain left the UK after a successful seven-and-a-half years with Fulham and Tottenham in August 2013 to return home to Major League Soccer.
Former New England Revolution man Dempsey's move was a surprise to many in England but was positively received in the US and it prompted his national team colleague Bradley to think about returning to the competition where it all started.
"Clint and I obviously have a really good relationship," Bradley, who left AS Roma to join the Reds last month, told reporters.
"I think everybody is able to see how important he is for not only the Seattle Sounders but for the national team.
"I think whether he's been in Europe or back in MLS or for the national team, he's shown what kind of player he is and how important he is for everybody."
The former MetroStars (NYRB), Heerenveen, Borussia Monchengladbach, Aston Villa and Chievo Verona man added: "I certainly paid attention when Clint came back last summer.
"But at the end of the day, everybody has to make their own decision. It's up to each and every guy to figure out in their career and their life what's best for them. You have to find the right situation where your qualities as a player and as a person are being appreciated and used in the best way."
