Adu's happiness is what might ultimately lead to happiness for all.

Adu never got along well with D.C. coach Peter Nowak, known as a stubborn, tactical coach who never coddles players. That, along with the presence of MVP midfielder Christian Gomez, prevented Adu from playing his more natural attacking midfielder position. Instead, D.C. utilized him as an outside midfielder, which led to mixed results in his three years. Adu doesn't envision that being a problem with Real Salt Lake.

"I just want to say I can't be happier to be here," he said. "It's something I wanted. This sort of has the same feeling when I first came in the league. I feel reborn. I'm excited for a new chapter in my life.

"Coming here, I knew this was the best environment for me to be in to succeed as a player, and to get a chance to play my natural position," said Adu.

RSL acquired Adu along with D.C. United back-up keeper Nick Rimando by trading D.C. a major allocation, goalkeeper Jay Nolly and future considerations, which include a portion of replacement allocation money if Adu is transferred overseas.

An allocation is money that MLS teams can use to sign new players. While some teams covet allocations, in its first two years in MLS, Real has proven that it covets proven talent more.

"We'd rather get the proven player and let the other teams spend money and take chances on players who may or may not be successful in this league," said Real general manager Steve Pastorino.

For fans worried about Adu's seemingly inevitable departure overseas, Pastorino offered words of encouragement.

"We wouldn't have ventured into this transaction without the belief that Freddy would be part of this organization for a little while to come," said Pastorino.

Adu is under contract through 2007, with an option on his contract through 2009. Adu turns 18 in June, at which time he could be transferred to a European club. Now that he's playing for a coach he likes, Adu might not be so anxious to leave.

ENDLINES: Real Salt Lake is scheduled to announce the signing of forward Luis Tejada today. Tejada is a target forward and a member of the Panama National Team.

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E-mail: jedward@desnews.com