U.S. U-23 goalkeeper Charlie Horton’s contract with Leeds United has been terminated so the 21-year-old can come back to the United States for family reasons.
Horton issued a statement saying he needed to pursue a career in MLS “much closer to where he was needed”. For what it’s worth, Horton’s spent part of his youth in Hunting Valley, near Cleveland, Ohio.
Horton joined Leeds this summer after time with Peterborough and Cardiff City. He’s the youngest keeper on the most recent U-23 roster with fellow keepers Jon Kempin (Sporting KC) and Cody Cropped (MK Dons).
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He had yet to play for the Elland Road side’s senior team, serving as a backup for the last seven matches and making a pair of appearances for the U-21 side.
From the Leeds United’s site:“For me there is only one thing which comes before this football club – my family. That is the sole reason I’m going home. I ask people to respect my privacy while I handle it, as it is not a short-term matter.
“I’m extremely grateful for the compassion and understanding I have received from Massimo Cellino and Steve Evans. They have been absolutely top drawer about it. I’m very grateful that they understood and I wish them nothing but the very best going forward.”
Horton issued a statement on his Twitter page.
Thanks for all the messages, wish everyone, esp. my teammates all the best going forward. Thanks for everything. pic.twitter.com/3dVFtrn1Fz
— Charlie Horton (@Charlie_Horton1) November 23, 2015
All the best to Horton in his life and career.