Scotland striker Shaun Maloney has completed his move from Wigan to MLS side Chicago Fire, as ESPN FC reported last Friday.
ESPN FC sources have confirmed that Maloney rejected offers to stay in English football to make the move to America, with the ex-Celtic striker relishing the challenge in Chicago.
"I certainly didn't expect it to get done this quickly, so I appreciate the faith that they've shown in me," 32-year-old Maloney told the Chicago Fire website. "I owe a lot to the manager Frank Yallop and the owner Andrew Hauptman for getting this done.
"It's a brilliant league and I'm really hopeful that I'm going to enjoy Chicago and be a big part of what the club is building. I'd also like to show respect for my previous club and thank the owner and manager over at Wigan for letting this happen."
Chicago Fire boss Yallop welcomed Maloney's arrival, as he suggested the presence of the striker -- who has been a key figure in Scotland's ongoing Euro 2016 qualifiers -- will be a huge addition to his team.
"Shaun is a very experienced player, having played in both the English and Scottish Premier Leagues, and we're very happy to have signed someone of his caliber," said Yallop. "His style of play fits in exactly with what we're trying to do at the Fire. He's a hard-working, attack-minded player who is really going to help this team and we're excited to have signed him.
"It's important to have players in from the start of preseason and get them integrated into the team and with the other players.
"It takes time to learn each others' traits and how they go about things on the field, so it's great to have Shaun in with the group from the start. We worked very hard to get this deal done and feel very good that he's finally with us now."
Chicago Fire also announced Sunday that the club has re-signed Brazilian midfielder Alex, who joined the Fire during the 2012 summer transfer window from Swiss side FC Wohlen.