Former United States and Fulham star Clint Dempsey returned to Craven Cottage on Saturday when he was introduced to the crowd at half-time in the home game against Watford.
Dempsey, who announced his retirement last month, played for Fulham from 2006 to 2012 after signing from Major League Soccer's New England Revolution and scored 50 Premier League goals for the London club in six seasons there.
He struck one of the most famous goals in their history, chipping home against Juventus to seal a dramatic comeback that put them into the last eight of the Europa League en route to their historic appearance in the 2010 final.
Craven Cottage homecoming. @FulhamFC welcomed back @clint_dempsey today. #ThankYouDeuce x #Fulhamerica pic.twitter.com/qfWgZWKFnc
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@ussoccer_mnt) September 22, 2018
"I can't wait to see Fulham playing back in a league they belong in and taking a little trip down memory lane," Dempsey told the Fulham website when his appearance was announced
"It will be great to see the fans. The Cottage was one of my favourite stadiums to play in. It was such an intimate atmosphere, and I've just got so many great memories of playing there.
"The fans were a big part of helping create those memories. I gave all I could for Fulham so to be able to come back and sit in the stands as a supporter is going to be a great experience."
2⃣3⃣1⃣ appearances
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) September 23, 2018
6⃣0⃣ goals
...it was fantastic to see @clint_dempsey back home yesterday! 👏 #COYW pic.twitter.com/5DyTMq7XUU
After a season at Tottenham Hotspur, Dempsey returned to MLS with the Seattle Sounders in 2013, where he lifted the MLS Cup in 2016.
For the U.S. national team, Dempsey scored 57 goals, tied with Landon Donovan for the most all time. His 141 appearances are the third most in team history, behind Cobi Jones (164) and Donovan (157).
His 43 World Cup qualifying appearances are the most in U.S. team history, and he is tied for the most qualifying goals with Jozy Altidore at 18.
The Texas native was part of three CONCACAF Gold Cup-winning sides and played in the team that reached the Confederations Cup final in 2009.
