The Vancouver Whitecaps announced on Wednesday that after an extended trial period, the club has signed veteran striker Robert Earnshaw, pending receipt of his international transfer certificate.
The 33-year-old last featured for the Chicago Fire, making five appearances last year as a late-season signing. He scored three goals in just 174 minutes of league play, but was not retained in the Windy City and moved on to Vancouver, where his fellow Welshman and former teammate Carl Robinson is the head coach.
“I’m very excited to officially join Whitecaps FC and be a part of this great organization,” said Earnshaw in a statement. “The club has treated me well since I’ve been here. I’m thrilled to help the team continue to progress, while bringing enjoyment and passion to my new team.”
Earnshaw also announced his retirement from international play on Wednesday. He concludes his Wales career with 59 caps and 16 goals.
“First off, congratulations to Earnie on a fantastic international career,” said Robinson. “I had the privilege of representing Wales together with Earnie and he always gives his all in everything he does. Not only is he a natural goalscorer, he will also bring great character and leadership to our locker room, while passing along his experience to our young group of forwards.”
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The well-traveled Earnshaw has now played professionally in five different nations. He was a prolific scorer in the English Premier League and lower divisions before crossing the Atlantic to join Toronto FC in 2013, scoring eight goals in 26 matches (23 starts) for the Reds that season.
Earnshaw is the only player to record a hat-trick in every pro league in England, including the FA Cup and League Cup, and for his country at the international level.
