Championship strugglers Wigan Athletic have announced the departure of Shaun Maloney to Chicago Fire for an undisclosed fee.
The Malaysian born, Scotland international whose contract runs out at the end of the season has enjoyed a successful four year period with the Lancashire club, an FA Cup triumph in 2013 the most obvious, as well as, successfully guiding the Latics to Premiership safety on two separate occasions. Joining the club in 2011, Maloney has gone on to appear 91 times for the club, scoring 15 goals and assisting 16 goals in the process.
Wigan boss Malky Mackay commented on the players move: "Sometimes you have to recognize that a move would benefit all parties."
He added, "Shaun is nearing the end of his contract and we had to make a decision."
Despite interest from former employers Celtic as well as a collapsed move to the Premier League with Leicester, the 37 times capped Scot made the highly appealing decision to switch from the home of 'Heinz beans' to the busiest city in the Midwest.
Some players would take time to adapt to a new lifestyle and surroundings, however, Chicago head coach Frank Yallop is already convinced the small but compact winger will prove an excellent acquisition for his side.
"Maloney is a hard working, attack-minded player", said Chicago's Yallop.
"His style of play fits in exactly with what we're trying to do here at the fire. We're very happy to have signed someone of his calibre."
#Whatdoestwittersay?
craig hilton @CraigHilton71 18h18 hours ago
I wish Sean Maloney all the very best of luck with his new adventure. Thanks for some amazing memories #wafc
James Justice @MLSTakeover 18h18 hours ago
Chicago Fire having a great off-season! Sean Maloney from Wigan, David Accam from Helsingborgs in Sweeden, and Kennedy Igboananike! #MLS
The Malaysian born, Scotland international whose contract runs out at the end of the season has enjoyed a successful four year period with the Lancashire club, an FA Cup triumph in 2013 the most obvious, as well as, successfully guiding the Latics to Premiership safety on two separate occasions. Joining the club in 2011, Maloney has gone on to appear 91 times for the club, scoring 15 goals and assisting 16 goals in the process.
Wigan boss Malky Mackay commented on the players move: "Sometimes you have to recognize that a move would benefit all parties."
He added, "Shaun is nearing the end of his contract and we had to make a decision."
Despite interest from former employers Celtic as well as a collapsed move to the Premier League with Leicester, the 37 times capped Scot made the highly appealing decision to switch from the home of 'Heinz beans' to the busiest city in the Midwest.
Some players would take time to adapt to a new lifestyle and surroundings, however, Chicago head coach Frank Yallop is already convinced the small but compact winger will prove an excellent acquisition for his side.
"Maloney is a hard working, attack-minded player", said Chicago's Yallop.
"His style of play fits in exactly with what we're trying to do here at the fire. We're very happy to have signed someone of his calibre."
#Whatdoestwittersay?
craig hilton @CraigHilton71 18h18 hours ago
I wish Sean Maloney all the very best of luck with his new adventure. Thanks for some amazing memories #wafc
James Justice @MLSTakeover 18h18 hours ago
Chicago Fire having a great off-season! Sean Maloney from Wigan, David Accam from Helsingborgs in Sweeden, and Kennedy Igboananike! #MLS