Toronto FC announced Friday that the transfer of midfielder Maurice Edu to Glasgow Rangers of the Scottish Premier League has been completed. The transfer was contingent upon Edu receiving a UK work permit and that process has now been completed. As per team policy financial details were not disclosed.
"Maurice is a talented young player and this move is a wonderful opportunity for him," said Mo Johnston, manager, director of soccer for Toronto FC. "Coming off of his rookie season and his selection to the U.S. Olympic and National teams, Maurice has garnered a great deal of attention from other clubs around the world. In the end, we believe the decision to transfer Maurice is in the best interest of his development as a player and Toronto FC.
"He has made tremendous contributions to establishing our club on the pitch and in the community. Maurice will always be part of Toronto FC's history."
"I'm excited about this new chapter in my career," said Edu. "I will miss Toronto, and the team's amazing supporters and fans. Toronto FC will always have special meaning for me because it's the club that gave me my professional start.
"I want to thank Mo, John, the coaching staff and my teammates for making my time with Toronto FC such a memorable experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life."
Edu was selected first overall by Toronto FC in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft. During his rookie season, Edu started all 25 games he played in and logged 2,180 minutes. He finished the 2007 MLS regular season with four goals and one assist and went on to win MLS Rookie of the Year.
This season, Edu has started 12 of 13 games playing 1,104 minutes adding a goal and an assist.
Internationally, he most recently played a full 90 minutes in all three matches for the U.S. Olympic team in Beijing. The midfielder has also become a regular addition to the American squad that is currently competing in FIFA World Cup Qualifying for 2010.
