LAFC forward Adama Diomande says he's terminating contract

Los Angeles FC forward Adama Diomande has announced he is leaving the club. LAFC didn't immediately respond to Diomande's posts on social media on Thursday.

Diomande cited the “many family priorities in my life” as the reason for his decision, writing, “I have decided to terminate my contract with immediate effect in order to best care for my loved ones.”

Diomande was a valuable backup striker for LAFC in 2018 and again in 2019 when the club finished with Major League Soccer's best record. The 30-year-old Norwegian veteran scored 12 goals in just 18 games during LAFC's inaugural season in 2018, and he added eight regular-season goals last season.

But Diomande missed the last month of the 2019 regular season after voluntarily entering the league’s substance abuse and behavioral health program. He said he made the move to handle a pressing family issue, and he scored two goals in the MLS postseason after returning.

He then broke a bone in his foot during the preseason this year. He played only 16 minutes in the MLS tournament in Florida this summer before injuring his foot again and leaving the team.

“I have put a lot of thought into this decision and have come to the conclusion that it will be the best for all parties,” Diomande wrote. “I would like to thank the club for (its) understanding and our enthusiastic fans. From the bottom of my heart I will never forget (these) valuable experiences and moments that we shared on and off the field.”

Diomande's role as a backup or striking counterpoint to MLS MVP Carlos Vega could be filled largely by Bradley Wright-Phillips, who has been outstanding since joining LAFC. The longtime New York Red Bulls star scored three goals in three games at the Florida tournament.

Diomande made nearly $935,000 last season, ranking him fourth on the club.

Diomande began his pro career in Norway. He spent three years at Hull City before moving to LAFC and being reunited with Bob Bradley, his onetime coach at Stabæk.

Image credits: AP