[nas] McBride McContract

McBride plays it cool on contract talks
December 19, 2006

LONDON (Ticker) - Brian McBride is in no hurry to enter fresh contract 
talks with Fulham but insists he is happy at Craven Cottage.

The American striker, who scored his fifth goal of the season in Monday 
night's 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough, has been linked with a move 
away from the London club next summer.

The 34-year-old's current deal expires in June but he is still 
considering his options.

"I'm enjoying myself. I've had a few crazy injuries in the past but I 
haven't had any recently and long may that continue," McBride said. 
"I'm enjoying my time at Fulham and we'll see what happens about a new 
contract.

"Fulham will decide what they want from me and I'll decide with my 
family what's best for us. "But right now I have to concentrate on 
what's happening on the pitch."

The only American to score a goal in two different World Cups, McBride 
ended his career with the U.S. national team ranking second on the 
team's all-time goal-scoring and points lists. He scored 30 
international goals in 95 appearances with the U.S. side.

McBride retired from international football after the World Cup and 
admits he is now reaping the benefits of an extended summer break.

"I feel good. My body is holding together, in fact it feels better than 
that," McBride said. "My fitness is something I've always paid close 
attention to. At a young age I learned that if you take some time off 
in the summer, you can return that much fitter. I approach my fitness 
in a good, professional manner.

"(Manager) Chris Coleman gave me a long time away from football after 
the World Cup and that helped. I spent a lot of time with my kids. I 
met up with the team 10 days before the season started." 

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