Alejandro Bedoya: Joining Philadelphia Union was not easy way out

U.S. international midfielder Alejandro Bedoya said returning to play in the United States was not about failure in Europe and blasted Major League Soccer for making transfers so complicated.

The 29-year-old, whose transfer from Ligue 1 side Nantes to the Philadelphia Union was completed last week, was unveiled by his new club on Tuesday.

He's expected to make his MLS debut on Saturday when the Union travel to New England to take on the Revolution.

He defended himself when asked whether the move was motivated by frustration over not being able to make a splash in a European league.

"I've done the hard stuff and have been able to perform in Europe," the Union's new designated player told the media. "I went to Europe straight from college and I think I have proved myself there. I don't think any team would say I didn't contribute.

"For people who wanna say I'm taking the easy way or whatever, it's a lot of BS."

Bedoya said he "bought into" the Union's goals and had a strong desire to help MLS grow.

"Hopefully I can help make a push towards the playoffs and a good run in the playoffs," said Bedoya of his new team, which sits in fifth place in the Eastern Conference table.

"I'm here to help the team win."

Bedoya has spent his entire professional career abroad, emerging as a key figure at Nantes over the past three seasons and a fixture in Jurgen Klinsmann's national team setup (53 caps) after successful stints in both Sweden and Scotland.

He admitted that being back home and close to his family in New Jersey had an impact upon his decision.

"I had a son while I was in France and he's now 16-months-old and he is the first grandkid in my family, so yes, there were other factors besides football," he said.

Bedoya said that conversations with Philadelphia started a year ago and blamed MLS roster and salary cap rules for slowing the transfer process, joking that the deal ended up being:"Throw in my buddy Sam and Cam and you got me."

Welcome to the club @AleBedoya17! Get ready to #DOOP! pic.twitter.com/4Hjwtgkaz2

- Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) August 9, 2016

"There was three [MLS] teams interested and the whole process took longer than expected," he said. "I think everyone knows that Chicago reached out to me. But with MLS there is a lot of twists and turns. I think Columbus was in there as well.

"But at end of day I am happy that it worked out with Philly because that is where I wanted to be. It is more complicated than it has to be in this league."

He said that the new Eurosport TV deal in Europe has brought greater visibility to MLS and believes that more European players will get interested in playing stateside.

"I know a lot more guys are watching the games every weekends," he said. "We talk about it. MLS is growing, I always wanted to be part of the growth and here I am now.

"It has the ability to be one of the top leagues in the world. Who wouldn't want to live and play in the states?" he said. "The league is attractive to players over in Europe."

Multiple sources told ESPN FC that Bedoya's move included a $1 million transfer fee, and he will receive an average annual salary of $1m.