MLS club Seattle Sounders has recently made headlines with what appears to be the briefest contract announcement in history.
On Thursday, the Sounders confirmed the return of midfielder Osvaldo ‘Ozzie’ Alonso to the club.
This development comes after Alonso’s retirement announcement in January, concluding a 15-season career in the MLS, which also included stints with teams like Minnesota United and Atlanta United.
In a statement released by the club, Sounders revealed that the Cuban midfielder will rejoin the team this week to ink a one-day contract. This exceptionally short-term deal signifies his formal retirement while symbolically ending his illustrious tenure with the club, where he made 338 appearances.
Adrian Hanauer, the majority owner of Sounders, spoke highly of Alonso, stating, “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.”
He further added, “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.”
Hanauer highlighted Alonso’s pivotal role both on and off the field, contributing to the club’s success and legacy in Major League Soccer. He expressed his delight in welcoming Alonso and his family back to Seattle to honor his remarkable career.
Alonso defected from Cuba during the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup held in the United States, eventually becoming an American citizen. A special ceremony is planned to recognize his contributions during the upcoming MLS match against Austin FC.
The one-day contract phenomenon is not unique to Alonso, as it has become a trend in the MLS. He joins the likes of Bradley Wright-Phillips and Diego Valeri, who similarly signed short-term deals to conclude their careers with New York Red Bulls and Portland Timbers, respectively.
