Adu ready to resume MLS career with Union

TOUGH LOVE.

It's what Peter Nowak tried to give Freddy Adu in 2004 when he swept headlines as a precocious 14-year-old gem touted as the future of American soccer. It's how Nowak attempted to convey that, despite all the hoopla that surrounded Adu's blockbuster signing to Major League Soccer's then-golden franchise D.C. United, Adu still had so much to learn.

Adu wasn't hearing that noise. Through his contract and endorsement deals, he stood to collect more than a million dollars by becoming one of the youngest athletes to sign a professional contract in the U.S.

But yesterday a more mature Adu once again shared a podium with Nowak to announce his return to MLS with the Union. To a room full of reporters and shutter claps from photographer's cameras, Adu acknowledged he finally understands what Nowak, whom he called a "father figure," was trying to convey.

"Sometimes I didn't handle some of the ways Peter was trying to get the message across to me very well," Adu said. "When I first came into the league, I was 14, 15, 16, you know, I was a kid. And when you get [to play with top club teams as Adu did in] Europe, you realize you needed that [push], because that's exactly how things are over there. So I am just happy to be here, happy to be working with this coaching staff and happy to have the opportunity to play soccer. That's all I ever really wanted."

Adu most likely will get that chance tonight when the Union hosts a tough FC Dallas squad (8 o'clock, 6ABC) at PPL Park. It's uncertain where he'll play, since his versatility could find him suited for either central midfield, outside mid or even on attack. But where he'll play mattered very little, compared with his desire to get on a pitch with a club again.

Despite having his rights retained by top Portuguese club Benfica, Adu was a journeyman, sent on loan to five European clubs over a 3-year span.

"Wherever the coaches feel I fit best on the team is where I'll play," Adu said. "As I said before, I am just here to help the team, whether it's as a forward, whether it's in midfield, wherever. I hope I get a chance to play against FC Dallas, but I am not worried about a debut. I just have to stay on my toes and be ready whenever I am called upon. Dallas is a good team; this is a big game."

Nowak's comments made it appear the technical staff is prepared to tinker with schemes and formations to accommodate its newest signing, as the giddy mamager noted not to assume Adu will always be utilized in an attack-minded role.

"Obviously, we all know Freddy's qualities," Nowak said. "But to be a complete player, expecting him to run at players and score three, four goals isn't the case anymore. The offensive part [of his game] is not in every scheme."

These words and his signing come at a opportune time for the Union. Undoubtedly, Jurgen Klinsmann, the newly minted maestro of the U.S. national team, has had Adu on his radar since his performance in the Gold Cup. Additionally, the U.S. will begin evaluating the talent pool for the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.

"I had a long talk with Jurgen, and it was actually his advice that made this decision a lot easier," Adu said. "Now I just plan to work my tail off to stay on his radar in the future."

Wherever Adu suits up, he will wear his trademark No. 11, the former number of Union forward Levi Houapeu. Adu ended yesterday's conference by thanking Houapeu, noting he knows how tough it is for many players to relinquish their jersey number, and said he planned to "take him to a nice dinner" in a show of appreciation.

In three tumultuous seasons with Nowak in D.C., Adu had 11 goals, had 17 assists and won an MLS Cup in his first season. Now, it appears that, with a more mature Adu, it could be a reunion made for an MLS Cup run.

"You really appreciate the people that come into your life, maybe not right away but when you look back you can see that the person was really trying to help you," Adu said. "Peter Nowak was that father figure; now I know he was trying to steer me in the right direction. He was tough [back in D.C], man, he never let you slack off. As a young player, you don't realize how much you need that."