Johnny Russell says MLS move is the 'best decision' he's ever made

Sporting Kansas City forward Johnny Russell has described his move to MLS as the 'best decision' he've ever made

Russell traded Derby County for Kansas City in January 2018 and hasn't looked back since, scoring 42 goals and setting up another 30 in 126 appearances. No Scottish player has scored more goals in MLS history.

The Scottish forward admits he was given the 'usual stick' about MLS being a retirement league prior to crossing the Atlantic. But he insists doing so was the best thing he's done, crediting the league's improving recruitment and development policy.

“Coming over here was the best decision I've made," Russell told the Daily Record. “When I came, I got the usual stick. It's a retirement league, he's chucking it, that'll be him done, it's rubbish.

“I knew I had to come here young and I was 27 at the time. If I waited for another contract in England or somewhere else, it would have been near impossible to get over.

“I know so many boys now around my age or older than I was, who are now trying to get into the MLS. But they can't because the league is changing.

“Obviously, they'll still sign the occasional superstar but they're trying to get young exciting players. It has completely changed. I'm glad I made the decision because if I didn't, I wouldn't have got out here."

Though he's enjoyed his time in MLS and has undoubtedly become one of SKC's best ever players, Russell is yet to lift major silverware.

Kansas City have topped the Western Conference twice since Russell arrived but haven't gone further than the Conference semi-finals in the Playoffs, while their best performance in the Concacaf Champions League was the final four in 2019. Russell is looking to put that right this time around.

"I want to win something, like Mo [Johnston] did in 2000. That's the target, to be up there with them," the 31-year-old added. “Sometimes I get parents coming up to me now, saying their kids are trying to copy me.

“All of that is amazing to hear. But I'll be here for a few more years so I want to add more goals and trophies.

“We've been close to winning the MLS Cup before. But this is probably the best I've felt heading into the play-offs with the quality we've got. If I got to lift the trophy as captain, it would make everything worth it. That would be special.”

SKC host Real Salt Lake on Decision Day with top spot in the West still up for grabs. The outcome of that final regular season match will define whether or not Peter Vermes' men get a bye straight into the Western Conference semi-finals in the MLS Cup Playoffs.