Berhalter Leaving 1860 Munich For MLS

1860 Munich has announced that American defender Gregg Berhalter will be leaving the club immediately to continue his career back home on Major League Soccer (MLS). Berhalter's contract with the Second Bundesliga club was set to expire in June 2009 but the club has agreed to release him early.

This marks an end to Berhalter's long career in Europe after playing in the Netherlands, England, and for the past seven years - in Germany. Reflecting on his European career, Berhalter remarked that: "I had a very good and successful 15 years in Europe but the time has come to say goodbye and go home." He thanked the club for their understanding to release him early and in a parting statement to the fans said: "I had a super time here in Munich and I'm excited to start a new chapter of my life playing in MLS."

What remains unclear is which MLS team he will be playing for in the coming weeks as he starts a new 2-year deal with the league.

Berhalter made 23 appearances in the Bundesliga and 88 in the Second Bundesliga. During his stint at 1860 Munich, he made 73 appearances, scoring eight goals.