Hungarian football star Nikolics Nemanja leaves Chicago Fire

It was quite a news in 2016 when the Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced that the club had acquired Hungarian striker Nemanja Nikolic via transfer from Legia Warsaw of Poland’s top division. After running a successful course, the player now announced his split from the team with some emotional lines.

“When a period of time is intense, if you concentrate and perform on daily basis, time passes by quickly. It was a massive three years for me and my family. When I look at the memories I had in Chicago, I realize the huge amount of action that happened to me in the U.S. It was a big jump. We went far from home. A new language and a new environment. Different schools for the kids – and our third child has born. People were skeptical about the adventure, but the unknown challange motivated me and, luckily, I proved quickly that my decision was right and I could keep the standards I had at Videoton and then at Legia.

Everybody knows I am a team player. For me the TEAM is what really counts. Although I am a striker. My ambition gives me power – I want to score goals, because in the long run goals decide my performance. In my first year with the Fire, we got the team to the playoffs and I won the MLS Golden Boot for the first time in the club’s history. It was the third country I became the top scorer and it was the fourth consecutive year that I won – ahead of fantastic players. I managed to break club records too. I won ESPN’s ESPY Award for Best MLS Player and made the MLS All-Star team. Recognitions from professionals and from supporters.

My relationship with the Hungarian fans is unique. They were behind me all the way. They followed my career in the U.S. I could see HUN flags in the stands from San José to Orlando. I am honored to have represented Hungary and Hungarian soccer while playing in MLS. I did what I could. I have never missed a single training session or game due to injury. I must thank our medical staff for that as well. Of course, there were ups and downs, but I was able to climb back, I never lost sight, and I learned a lot from these situations. Three seasons, 104 matches, 56 goals across all competitions. Americans say, “Do your job!” I think I fulfilled my task. I want to thank to Mr. Nelson Rodríguez. He was a true gentleman with me and my family, he did everything for me to make my time successful. Thanks to Mr. Hauptman for providing a professional environment for us. Huge respect to the coaching team, especially to Veljko who believed in me and appreciated me for who I am and helped me improve my game and let me do my best on the pitch. Joe Mansueto, the new owner, I want to wish you all the best. He is positive and passionate and beautiful days are coming to the Fire soccer community. Without the TEAM — and my fantastic teammates — this adventure could not have been such an amazing fairytale.