Everton Goalkeeper Tim Howard has completed a move to MLS outfit Colorado Rapids and will join up with his new team at the end of the current campaign. The former Manchester United player has spent a total of 13 years in England and will now move back to the United States where he began his career.

According to reports, Howard was allowed by Everton to hold talks with Colorado Rapids before agreeing a $600,000 fee. The American was long rumored to leave merseyside after he was displaced by the current first choice keeper, Joel Robles and has now signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Rapids.

After his move he was quoted as saying:

“I’ve had a fantastic career in England and in particular at Everton, but as football clubs move forward and players have careers to think about you always have to make decisions.

“This one crept up on me – I had two more years at Everton which I planned on seeing out, but when I spoke to my family, Roberto Martinez and the chairman I thought the decision and the timing…just seemed to be the right move.

Howard also confirmed that he’ll be a club ambassador in USA as he’ll be “an Evertonian for life”. Everton Roberto Martinez also extended his well wishes saying:

“Tim is such an incredible character. With certain players, their contribution goes a little bit further than starting in the team or not and Tim is probably the perfect case of that.

“He is such an influence on the young players. We had a really good group of young players coming through in the last three years and Tim has been a vital player in helping those players feel Everton and to understand what it takes to play in the team.”