Kellyn Acosta accuses Colorado Rapids of blocking European move following LAFC transfer | OneFootball

Kellyn Acosta has accused former club Colorado Rapids of blocking a transfer to Europe following his switch to Los Angeles FC.

The 26-year-old midfielder completed a blockbuster move to LAFC on Friday in a deal worth up to $1.5m in General Allocation Money (GAM) for the Rapids.

But Acosta - a 45-time United States international - had long desired a move to Europe, even stating as recently as April that crossing the Atlantic was necessary to secure his national team future.

In a report on Burgundy Wave, it was suggested that the Rapids were working on extending Acosta's contract, but that the two parties couldn't align. It also stated that most of the rumored interest from Europe was merely "smoke" and that the real offers coming from fellow MLS teams.

But replying to a Twitter post sharing the article, Acosta has hit back, suggesting he was forced out the door at Dick's Sporting Goods Park and had his European dream blocked.

"This narrative is sad. CO pushed me out," the midfielder Tweeted. "They had an offer for me on the table from abroad and ongoing interests and opted to trade me."

According to Burgundy Wave, a Rapids spokesperson confirmed that no offers from Europe were forthcoming at the time Acosta's trade to LAFC was completed. Three hours after the deal went through in principle, a European club asked for a one-year free loan with an option to buy.

Later, Acosta followed up, tweeting: "Regardless of the matter, I enjoyed my time in Colorado and was with a great group of players and staff. We achieved things most wouldn’t believe. Wishing them the best moving forward. I’m excited for my next adventure!”

On his upcoming venture with LAFC, he said: "To the LAFC fans I’m excited for the next chapter! I’ll give everything I have for the Black and Gold!"

Adding further spice to matters, LAFC and Acosta kick off their 2022 MLS campaign at home to the Rapids on February 26.