Toronto FC's Maurice Edu was chosen the MLS rookie of the year in 2007. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)Midfielder Maurice Edu was granted his British work permit on Friday, clearing the way for him to play for the Scottish Premier League club Rangers.
Edu, 22, signed a five-year deal with the Glasgow club last week. Toronto FC and Major League Soccer will receive $5 million US as a result of the transfer.
"I'm excited about this new chapter in my career," Edu said Friday. "I will miss Toronto, and the team's amazing supporters and fans. Toronto FC will always have special meaning for me because it's the club that gave me my professional start."
Edu had a goal and an assist in 13 games this season for Toronto FC.
"Maurice is a talented young player and this move is a wonderful opportunity for him," Toronto manager Mo Johnston said.
The midfielder was named MLS rookie of the year in 2007 after scoring four goals for Toronto.
Toronto FC had selected the Fontana, Calif., native first overall at the MLS SuperDraft in Indianapolis.
He was a first-team NCAA all-American at the University of Maryland and a semifinalist for the Hermann Trophy (college soccer's player of the year) in 2006, one year after he helped the Terrapins win a national championship.
He turned pro after his junior year.
Edu and Marvell Wynne of Toronto FC recently competed for the United States at the Beijing Olympics. The American squad did not advance past the first round of the tournament.
Toronto plays host to New England on Saturday night.
