Nasir Jabbar
Freddy Adu has reacted to Cavan Sullivan breaking his Major League Soccer record that stood for over 20 years.
On Thursday, Philadelphia Union beat New England Revolution 5-1 in an MLS fixture.
But the game will be remembered for Sullivan's cameo as he entered the MLS record books.
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At 14 years and 293 days, he became the youngest MLS player in history.
Sullivan is not only the youngest ever MLS player, but also the youngest debutant in the history of major North American men's sport leagues (NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB).
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The attacking midfielder, who is expected to join Manchester City when he turns 18, entered the fray in the 85th minute after signing for the club in May.
Adu, who was 14 years and 306 days when he played for DC United back in 2004, took to social media to congratulate Sullivan's record-breaking feat.
On X, he wrote: "Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record breaking debut today. That’s a hard record to break and the kid did it. Well done and good luck my man."
Sullivan signed the largest homegrown deal in MLS history with the Union, with the contract including a clause stipulating his eventual move to Man City.
At the time of the transfer, the teenage phenom said: "The collaboration between the Union and the City Group was - that did it for me. I always watch Man City. They're like every kid's dream team.
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"For [Philadelphia and Man City] to come together and agree on something - I sat with my family and my agents, and we decided that it was the best plan."
Union manager Jim Curtin called Sullivan a 'generational talent' following his emergence.
"The sky's the limit," he said.
"He's a generational talent, one who can really change the game by himself."