Freddy Adu was traded Monday from D.C. United to Real Salt Lake, ending a sometimes tumultuous three-year run in Washington for the highly touted teenager who clashed with his coach and was often frustrated by his role.

The 17-year-old will move to a MLS city in need of a marketable star as it hopes to boost attendance and gain support for a new stadium. He will also get to be an attacking midfielder, a position he never played on a consistent basis with United.

Adu's time with Real could be short-lived. His stated goal is to play for a European club, and he becomes eligible to transfer to a club outside the United States once he turns 18 on June 2. He recently spent two weeks working out with Manchester United in England.

``It is never easy to part with players, especially one like Freddy,'' United coach Peter Nowak said. ``Freddy desired to play a different role than the one we offered here at D.C., so we hope this move can aid that wish.''

United also sent goalkeeper Nick Rimando to Real Salt Lake. In return, United will receive a major player allocation, the rights to goalkeeper Jay Nolly and future considerations.

Adu became the youngest player in MLS history when United chose him No. 1 overall in the 2004 draft, but his youthful temperament showed almost immediately when he was used mostly as a substitute early in the season. Although he eventually started 14 games as a rookie and 16 in his second season, he complained publicly both years about playing time and said the team had ruined his chances of making the U.S. team for the 2006 World Cup. Nowak suspended Adu for a playoff game in 2005 after one such outburst.

This year, Adu had a regular spot in the lineup and started 29 of United's 32 games, but he played on the wing instead of his preferred position in midfield. He was dejected when Nowak removed him for a substitute in the 65th minute of United's final game, a playoff loss to New England, and afterward said there were ``serious talks'' in the works to have him playing elsewhere next season.

Adu finished with 11 goals and 17 assists in 87 career appearances for United and helped the team win the MLS Cup during his rookie season. He has played regularly for U.S. youth national teams and became the youngest player to appearance for the full U.S. team Jan. 22 against Canada, although he was never a serious candidate for the World Cup team.

© The Canadian Press, 2007