Former USA youth prodigy Freddy Adu joins 13th club, aged just 26

Adu became a child star, wowing scouts with his performances in youth football by scoring 16 goals in just 15 appearances for the United States U17 side.

At the age of 13 he was he was signed up by Nike, at 14 he was playing in Major League Soccer for DC United and at 16 he was called up to the senior international side.

It seemed certain that he would become an icon for the USA for a generation, becoming their first truly world-class player.

Unfortunately, things did not work out that way and after signing for Portuguese giants Benfica at the age of 18 he was sent out on several loan moves before returning to the USA, his reputation diminished, to play for Philadelphia Union.

The last two years have seen him play in Brazil's Serie B, in Serbia and for two clubs in Finland, with his last side being lower-league Kufu-98.

Now 26, his move to the Tampa Bay Rowdies is the 13th of his career but it is at least a home-coming of sorts.

He will be managed by Thomas Rongen, his former coach for the USA Under-20's - the side with which he had the most success.

Asked about signing Adu, Rongen said:

"Freddy and I have always respected each other. He's a unique player, very gifted. He's a difference-maker. He's got superb technical ability and field awareness.

"He's a guy that I've always enjoyed being around on and off the field. He's got a wonderful sense of humour and is a good team-mate. He can make any team better."