Nigerian striker Fanendo Adi has predicted the Major Soccer League (MLS) will be one of the top leagues in the world in five years.
The 25-year-old Adi is set to return to Europe after he set alight the MLS with goals last season as Portland Timbers won a first-ever MLS championship.
The MLS is seen as a destination for top stars who are winding down on their illustrious careers, but Adi has disagreed, saying it is a very competitive league.
“The MLS will in five years be among the best leagues in the world,” predicted Adi.
“The other day, Steven Gerrard (ex-Liverpool legend) spoke about the competitiveness of the MLS.
“When I first came to the league from FC Copenhagen, I also thought it would be a walkover, but after a few games, I knew I had to step up.
“It’s a league with very good young players and older, talented players, which is still growing.”
Last season, Adi was one of the MLS designated players, which meant he earned above the league’s salary cap.
He fired a total of 18 goals, but the powerful centre-forward now looks set to return to Europe, where he has previously played in Denmark, Slovakia and Ukraine.