The USMNT midfielder is expected to join English side Middlesbrough this summer, leaving the team he helped to two MLS Cup triumphs.
William GittinsWillGittUpdate: Jun 23rd, 2024 14:36 EDT0
Kyle RobertsonUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Europe-bound Aidan Morris was given an emotional send-off by the Columbus Crew support on Saturday, receiving a standing ovation after being substituted in a 4-0 win over Sporting Kansas City.
After joining the Crew as a 15-year-old Morris, now 22, has spent his entire professional career with the team, receiving call-ups for the senior US national team in recent seasons. He is set to sign for English Championship side Middlesbrough, where he will be coached by former Manchester United and England midfielder Michael Carrick.
Morris was withdrawn on the hourmark against Sporting KC and gave a tearful goodbye to the fans that have watched him develop into one of MLS’ top midfielders.
A special moment for Aidan Morris. 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/R5sFhR0h5t
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 23, 2024
“My heart is black and gold,” Morris said in the postgame press conference. “They’ve had my back since I was 18, since I first started. I’ve been through thick and thin here. My coming back, fighting for starting positions. It’s been a long journey, and this club means so much to me, and Wilfried [Nancy] and his staff mean so much to me.”
Aidan Morris’ incredible Crew career
Morris may still be 22, but he’s managed to pack a lot into his time with the Columbus Crew. He signed his first professional deal with the club in January 2020 and made his debut in July, coming on in a 4-0 drubbing of Ohio rivals FC Cincinnati. He was gradually introduced into the first team over the course of the 2020 campaign but, thanks to an injury to Darlington Nagbe, Morris started and starred for Columbus in the 2020 MLS Cup, becoming the youngest player to start in the league’s showpiece final. The Crew won 2-0, with Morris providing a crucial assist in the history victory.
His rapid progress was put on ice early in 2021, however, when he suffered a serious ACL injury that kept him out for the entirety of the following MLS campaign.
