Djorkaeff bound for America

Former Bolton striker and France international Youri Djorkaeff is joining Major League Soccer outfit New York/New Jersey Metrostars.

The 36-year-old former Monaco, Paris St Germain, Internazionale, Kaiserslautern and Blackburn player is eager to start his new life in the United States after finally sealing the deal with the MLS.

“This is a new life starting for me,” Djorkaeff, a member of France’s 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 winning teams, told a Paris press conference today.

“I have been spoilt throughout my career and I had decided to retire if the deal with New York fell though,” said Djorkaeff, whose father Jean played for France in the 1966 World Cup.

“I had no wish to join a club in Qatar. On the contrary it was a sporting and life choice, as it’s always been a dream for me to live in the United States.

“I am leaving France on Sunday with all my family who are also eager to start this new adventure with me,” added Djorkaeff, whose family roots are in Armenia and who is an honorary citizen of that country.

Djorkaeff wants to help soccer develop in the United States.

“I have been in touch with them since I was at Bolton,” added the Frenchman.

Djorkaeff said that his three-month spell at Blackburn earlier this season was mainly to keep him fit.

He continued: “I really wanted to move to the United States. The MLS is a very interesting league.

“There are 12 clubs this season but there will be 14 next which shows there is a real desire to take it forward.

“I would like to sort of open a door. Soccer is not well known in America and I want to contribute to making it more popular.”

Club president Nick Sakiewicz revealed how honoured he was to count Djorkaeff among his players.

“It’s been two years of discussions,” he said.

“Youri is a real gentleman and I will be very happy to see him play every weekend for us.”

The length of Djorkaeff’s contract has not been revealed.

“I can’t tell for how long I will stay because when you sign for an American club there is no definite time,” said Djorkaeff.

Sakiewicz added: “As long as Youri has fit legs, he will play with us.”

The American league will kick off on April 2 with the Metrostars facing Real Salt Lake City.

Djorkaeff is to join his future team-mates in Ecuador where the team are currently following a pre-season training programme.