A few months ago, we wrote about why it was now time to leave Freddy Adu alone.
In his youth, Adu was made subject of the full power of the American hype machine, as he was splashed across magazines and heralded as the next Pele; the fleet-footed youngster to bring the good game of soccer to the United States.
His talent was further validated by the makers of Championship Manager 03/04, wherein he became the best player in the history of footall.
In reality, Adu's career was horribly unfulfilled. As evidence of that, here is his list of past employers:
There are an abundant strand of articles online entitled 'X Players Who Have Failed To Live Up To Their Potential' that have sprung from the author remembering the now sad-figure of Adu and a strong belief in the strength of the headline 'Much Adu About Nothing':
Adu has spoke to Goal.com about his failure to fulfill his extraordinary potential, and he has (almost) taken full responsibility for his disappointing career.
I’ve looked back on these past few years and I’ve wasted a lot of time, wasted years of my career, just not dedicating the time I should have to the sport.
That’s time wasted. Lucky for me, I started so early that time wasted doesn’t mean I’m 33 or 34 and it’s too late for me.
I’m only 26 and I can change and correct the things I’ve done wrong, and that’s what I’m focused on right now.
We added the 'almost' appendage as he also had this to say:
Yes, I’ve had some tough times in my career.
I’ve had some great times as well. In the end, I can’t control what people say.
It wasn’t my choice or decision to be compared to Pele when I came into the league.
Hopefully Freddy can achieve something with the rest of his career. Otherwise, it would be much Adu abo- (you're fired, ed).
Read the whole interview here.
