Loading ...Aug 01 2008
Guzan Gets Work Permit
Former Chivas USA and second choice United States national team goaltender Brad Guzan has cleared the final hurdle in his move to the Premiership. Today, Guzan was granted his work permit, clearing the way for him to sign his previously agreed-to contract with Aston Villa and join Martin O’Neill’s side after the Olympics. Guzan is currently with the United States’ Olympic team preparing for the Beijing games, where he was selected as one of the squad’s three over-age players.
Guzan and Villa had agreed to a move in January that was canceled because of the inability to secure a work permit. England typically only issues work permits to players who are regulars on their country’s senior national team. In the intervening months, Guzan made more appearance’s for Bob Bradley and the national team, helping to secure his work permit.
In his three plus seasons with Chivas USA, Guzan played in 82 regular season matches and won an MLS Goaltender of the Year award. He had a very shakey start to this MLS season, letting in a couple of howlers, but has recovered to again assert himself as one of the league’s best and Bradley’s choice behind Everton’s Tim Howard.
For Aston Villa, he will have an opportunity to learn from fellow American Brad Friedel, who just transferred to Villa Park from Blackburn. Friedel signed a three year deal, over which he is expected to transition his starting job to Guzan.
Quotes
“I am going to go in there and work as hard as I can, learn as much as I can and try and become a better player and help the team in any way I can.” - Guzan
“Whether that is as a number two or competing for a number one, I am going to be pushing to make myself better or pushing to make the person who is playing to play better.” - Guzan
“As my very first professional club, Chivas USA will always have a special place in my heart.” - Guzan
“We trust that Villa supporters will soon see what Chivas USA fans have known for some time: that this is a very special young man with the potential of becoming one of the great goalkeepers in the international game.” - Shawn Hunter, president, Chivas USA
Links
Villa Get Guzan Green Light
Villa-bound Guzan granted permit
Villa Given Guzan Work Permit
Guzan given green light to move
Guzan gets work permit
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