MLS side Seattle Sounders have just announced what appears to be the shortest contract in history.
On Thursday, Sounders confirmed that midfielder Osvaldo 'Ozzie' Alonso will be returning to the club.
The news follows Alonso announcing his retirement from football in January, after playing 15 seasons in the MLS and also turning out for the likes of Minnesota United and Atlanta United.
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In a club statement, Sounders said that the Cuban will return this week to sign a one-day contract.
The unusually short deal essentially means he will formally retire with the club he played 338 times for.
“In the history of Sounders soccer, there are certain players who epitomize the ethos of the club – who are stamped with the grit, determination and mindset that our organization stands for," Sounders majority owner Adrian Hanauer said.
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“Ozzie is one of those players. My first experience with him was when he was playing opposite our team, and I knew immediately that he was a player you only wanted to see if he was in your uniform.
"With Ozzie’s help – both through his on-field skills and off-field character and leadership – Sounders FC saw great success as it began building its MLS legacy. I couldn’t be happier to welcome Ozzie and his family back to Seattle so that we can honor his incredible career.”
Alonso came to the US in 2007 while defecting from Cuba during the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup which was held in the country.
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He is now an American citizen and a special ceremony will be held to honour him at the upcoming MLS game with Austin FC.
The one-day contract is a trend in the MLS, with Alonso following in the footsteps both Bradley Wright-Phillips and Diego Valeri, who signed on the dotted line to finish up with New York Red Bulls and Portland Timbers respectively.
Topics: MLS, Premier League
Josh Lawless