After three years spent in Norway's top division, US international Ramiro Corrales has opted to go out a champion, leaving Brann for a return to MLS.

In coming back to the league where he played from 1996-2004, the 30-year old left-sider leaves a lot behind in Norway.

Not only is the versatile veteran is giving up the last two years of his Brann contract, but the Pride of Bergen will defend their Elitserien title in 2008, resume UEFA Cup play when the knockout phase begins in February and have a pass to the second qualifying round of the Champions League next fall.

"We made a deal with the league," Brann press officer Gorm Natlandsmyr told American Soccer Daily. "Ramiro is now playing for one of the teams (in MLS), but for which I do not know."

In December, Corrales' agent revealed that his client could be ready to return stateside, and Natlandsmyr acknowledged that the decision was made known to the club earlier this month while their #5 shirt was in US National Team camp in his home state of California.

Brann have quickly identified two possible replacements, and at least one will visit Bergen this week.

"He desperately wanted to stay in the United States and find a club, so we're looking to find a left back," said Natlandsmyr. "We have someone ready to come in, so that makes it easier for us to let him go."

Defending champs Houston hold the league rights to Corrales and have stated that they would welcome him in the squad. Former club San Jose has also aired their desire to bring him back to the Bay Area, where he won an MLS crown in 2001.

Quakes general manager John Doyle recently told ASD: "If we were able to get something done with Houston, and the numbers were a good fit, Ramiro's a talented player that we'd like to have. He's somebody that we'd be very interested in."

In his three seasons in Norway, Corrales scored three goals in 57 games. In 2006, he was Ham-Kam's Player of the Season.