D.C. United announced today the club will allowFred to sign with Melbourne Heart in Australia on a free transfer. TheBrazilian midfielder will remain with the Black-and-Red until the internationaltransfer window opens in July.
“When we re-acquired Fred earlier this year, we agreedin principle that we would let him go if he had an opportunity to sign abroadfor a better contract,” said General Manager Dave Kasper. “Fred has beennothing but a professional throughout his time at D.C. United and we havegranted his request. The move will also free up significant salary as we lookto improve our team during the upcoming transfer window. We thank Fred for hiscontributions to D.C. United and we wish him the best of luck.”
Fred has played in 12 games(5 starts) for the Black-and-Red in 2011, totaling 469 minutes on the field andcollecting one assist.
Fred returned to D.C. United on February 2011 afterplaying for Philadelphia Union during the 2010 season. While a member of theUnion, Fred played in 25 games (24 starts), totaling 1,913 minutes on the fieldand contributing four goals and an assist.
Prior to his time inPhiladelphia, Fred spent three full seasons with the Black-and-Red (2007-2009).In 72 total games (60 starts), the midfielder collected 11 goals and 16assists. His best season with the Black-and-Red came during his first year inthe League when he notched seven goals and seven assists during the 2007season. Fred helped D.C. capture two trophies during his first stint withUnited – the 2007 Supporters’ Shield and the 2008 U.S. Open Cup.
In 2006 Fred signed withAustralian side Melbourne Victory, the cross-town rivals of his future clubMelbourne Heart. During the 2006-07 season he was one of the standout playersin the A-League, helping his team win the Championship and the Premiership. Hewas also named the A-League Player of the Year.
