On Saturday, forward Nemanja Nikolić announced his departure from the Chicago Fire on social media in an emotional letter to the fans and the organization.
Nikolić appeared 104 times for the Club across all competitions after signing ahead of the 2017 season. He'd go on to score 56 combined goals in MLS regular season play and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament, earning an MLS All-Star selection, MLS Best XI honors, and the MLS Golden Boot award for his 24-goal campaign in 2017. He departs the Club as its second all-time leading scorer in regular season play, in which his 50 goals trail only Ante Razov's 76.
Read Nikolić's letter below:
Fire President and General Manager Nelson Rodríguez praised Nikolić's tenure with the Club at his media roundtable on Monday afternoon:
"He’s the best teammate I have ever been around. Never missed a session, never missed an opportunity to be uplifting to his teammates. Always positive. Even this year, when he was in his rough patch of finishing, he still appreciated his teammates and gave his all."
Fire captain Dax McCarty added:
The Club would like to thank Nikolić for his dedication these past three seasons and wish him and his family best of luck in their next endeavors.
