Darlington Nagbe signs long-term contract with Portland Timbers

United States international and MLS Cup champion Darlington Nagbe has committed his long-term future to MLS and the Portland Timbers. After a year that saw him gain his American Citizenship, earn his first USMNT cap, and lift MLS Cup, Nagbe has signed a four-year contract extension to stay with the reigning champs, The Oregonian reports.

Nagbe was a vocal part of the Timbers run to the championship last year. His shift to the middle of the field from the wing was one of the key decisions that turned the club's fortunes around midseason and pushed them through the playoffs.

After finally gaining his U.S. Citizenship in September, the Liberia-born Nagbe would only have to wait two more months for Jurgen Klinsmann to call him up. He'd go on to make his international debut against St. Vincent and the Grenadines in November and play again a few days later off the bench against Trinidad and Tobago. In both matches he provided a much-need spark off the bench and showed his immense technical quality paired with Michael Bradley in the midfield.

This upcoming year promises to be a vital one in the 25-year-old's career. He'll be heavily leaned on by the Timbers and most likely play a role for the USMNT all year long.

With a new contract in tow, it's obvious that Nagbe has no intentions of leaving for Europe anytime soon. It's unfortunate that we won't get to see him tested against better opposition, but he just had his second child last year and it's understandable for him to want to settle down in Portland for the long haul.