CHICAGO, IL
The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced today that it has signed 24-year old Dutch forward Collins John. The former Fulham striker and Brian McBride teammate has been on trial with the club since February 4 and joins the Fire as a free agent. John will be officially added to the roster pending receipt of his P1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
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Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"We are very excited to have Collins join the Chicago Fire," said Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas. "Collins is a talented player and he will be a great addition to the club. He is a quick and powerful forward with a nose for goal and we believe he will be a good fit to the attacking style we will play this season."
John began his professional career in 2002 at age 17 with Eredivisie side FC Twente. Appearing in 35 matches for the Dutch side, John tallied 11 goals over an 18 month span before being sold to Fulham FC in January of 2004.
During his time with Fulham FC, John partnered with current Fire forward Brian McBride, scoring 20 goals in 95 matches in the English Premiership from 2004-07.
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The imposing striker had the best season of his career in 2004-05, appearing in 35 of 38 Premiership matches and leading the club with 11 goals on the season.
Since departing Fulham on loan in 2007, John has spent time with English clubs Leicester City and Watford FC, along with a return to Holland with NEC Nijmegen, before signing with K.S.V. Roeselare in Belgium in 2009.
Player: Collins John Position: Forward Height: 5'11" (1.80 m) Weight: 200 lbs. (90 kg) Born: July 10, 1985 Hometown: Amsterdam, the Netherlands Citizenship: The Netherlands College: N/A Last Club: K.S.V. Roselare (BEL)
How Acquired: Signed as a free agent March 12, 2010
