Michael Bradley seems to have proven his excellence over and over for the US national team and several European clubs over the years.
But his nationality played a role in English powerhouse Arsenal FC passing on him in favor of Swedish midfielder Kim Kallstrom in the 2013-14 winter transfer window,
his father Bob told Slate.com this week.
But Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis – who worked as an MLS executive for more than a decade before taking his current job – elected to sign Kallstrom on loan from Russia's Spartak Moscow.
“I think American players and coaches have to fight really hard for respect,” said the elder Bradley. “In January, Arsenal [were] looking to add a midfielder, and they chose Kim Kallstrom. Kim Kallstrom's not a bad player, but I think Michael feels pretty strongly that he’s better, and so Arsene Wenger must not feel that way, and Ivan Gazidis must not feel that way.
“So sometimes, no matter what you do, you don’t get the respect you think you deserve.”
Kallstrom proved to be a controversial acquisition, as he was revealed to have been carrying a back injury after Arsenal completed his signing. He missed almost two months of match action and made only three appearances for the Gunners last season.
Meanwhile, Michael Bradley went on to sign a Designated Player contract with Toronto FC, becoming one of the most high-profile signings in MLS history.