Brian McBride to return to Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 20 (UPI) -- World Cup star Brian McBride on Thursday turned down a $1 million offer from the English club Everton to buy out his Major League Soccer contract and said he would return to the Columbus Crew.

McBride will return to the United States immediately and not appear in this weekend's match against Premiership leaders Arsenal.

By turning down the transfer, McBride cost himself approximately $100,000.

"I didn't think another 18-month period -- regardless of the money and the great time I've been having -- was worthwhile to not be a part of Columbus for a year," McBride said. "I've spent eight years there and had a lot of happy times. Both sides respected that and understood that."

McBride was expected to stay on loan until April 1, but the Crew requested his early release to play in a CONCACAF Champions Cup match this Sunday.

The Crew lost, 2-1, in the opener of the two-game, total-goals series on the road last Sunday to Panamanian club Deportivo Arabe Unido and needed a striker after Jeff Cunningham picked up a red card in the match.

The 30-year-old striker had scored four goals in eight games with Everton, which is currently fifth in the Premiership race. He was sought after by Everton manager David Moyes to complete the season as the club is in a race for a place in the rich European competitions next season.

Citing his desire to return to the United States and the lack of certainty of playing time given his age, McBride said that he had rejected the transfer offer. Moyes had expressed concern over McBride's age and future in a conversation earlier in the week.

"As for my age, it's definitely been an issue," McBride added. "David has had that issue towards me and he's been very open about that. It's very understandable. Everton have Duncan Ferguson, 33, and Kevin Campbell who is 31. David needs flexibility with the way things are -- it's not personal."

But missing a key game against Arsenal was also a difficult move for McBride to make.

"It came down to my discussions with (Moyes). He said he didn't have a problem. Deep down, I think he wanted me to be a part of it, but I think he figured that missing out on one game wasn't as big as missing out on a big game for the Crew, for which I'm grateful."