WASHINGTON -- Back from his travels to sort out an imminent European move, D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid made sure he got back to Washington for one final matchday at RFK Stadium, even if only as a spectator.
Hamid posed for selfies with fans, considered jumping into the Barra Brava, and even popped his head into the press box to call out a jovial but brief farewell during Sunday’s 2-1 loss to the New York Red Bulls.
In the final MLS game to be contested at RFK, Hamid's day was a fitting end to a year of introspection, and one that ultimately will lead to a new path.
“I found myself reminiscing and reflecting a lot throughout the course of this whole season,” said Hamid, who is expected to sign with Danish club FC Midtjylland. “Throughout the course of the year, there was like a trend on my social media … I was posting stuff that just made me reminisce.
“It was just a time for me throughout this year that I was like, ‘All right, I’ve been here for a while. So many memories. I’ve done some amazing things and met some amazing people.’”
Hamid departs D.C. after signing as the club’s first Homegrown Player in 2009.
“Part of it is definitely about the (US) national team,” Hamid said of the move. “Part of it is also about the fact that I’ve never lived anywhere else the rest of my life.”
While also linked to clubs in the German Bundesliga, he said the ability to start immediately at his next club impacted his decision.
“I was going to be a No. 2 at Frankfurt, and I didn’t know if I would’ve preferred that,” he said, while declining to name his new club. “But this is an opportunity to walk in, be a starter and continue playing, which is important. And obviously the national team is there. I’m not the decision maker, but whoever is put in that position, I hope that they still keep me in mind.”
Hamid also said he hopes his next destination is an avenue to something even bigger, which includes a regular spot in the US national team goalkeeping stable for whoever is the next manager.
“Hopefully if I can take another jump from there within the next year or two,” Hamid said. “Then I can solidify that spot and be a part of that three [with the US]. ... I was always in and out. Got some caps here and there. But I want to push myself.”
