DC United keeper Troy Perkins completed his move to Norwegian side Vålerenga on Thursday by signing a five-year contract.

The 26-year old, MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2006, becomes the first American to suit up for the Pride of Oslo.

"We have signed a very athletic keeper with an offensive style of play," technical director Martin Andresen told the club website.

"He is good at preventing situations before they happen and he is good with the ball at his feet. Everyone is really pleased that he has come to us."

For his part, Perkins is pleased to join the Eliteserien club and eager to claim the VIF starting job.

"I am very grateful that Vålerenga want me here for five years," he said. "It's up to me to play well and earn my place in the team."

"I take nothing for granted and I know that I have to work hard every day to be the player that the coaching staff want me to be."

"I know that there are a lot of big players over here and that soccer is well organized," he concluded. "The Tippeliga is a good league for me to come to and I hope to learn something new, play well and develop myself further."