Kei Kamara asks to leave CF Montreal despite contract extension

Veteran striker Kei Kamara has requested a transfer away from CF Montreal this offseason.

The 38-year-old became the third-highest goalscorer in MLS regular-season history in 2022 when he hit nine goals in 34 appearances - just 16 of which came from the start.

That was also enough to make him Montreal's second-leading goalscorer behind Romell Quioto as they achieved a club-record second-place finish in the Eastern Conference.

As recently as November, it appeared Kamara would remain with Montreal when the club picked up the option to extend his contract, while the player himself insisted his 'heart is with Montreal'.

"Montreal, thank you for the messages and I am sorry you have not seen my excitement about my option being picked up," Kamara wrote on Twitter at the time.

"Because there are things needing some ironing, but I promise my heart is still with you and [I] can't wait to bring the whole Kamara Family next season."

However, the former Sierra Leone international has once again taken to social media, this time to perform a U-turn by announcing his intention to leave Montreal this winter.

"Bonjour Montreal," Kamara wrote. "For once I threw all my eggs in one basket telling my family I found a place we can call home, finish my playing career and possibly more, but looks like it was just a dream.

"I never wanted it to come to this, but I want to let you know I have asked the club (CFMTL) for a trade. Mentally it has been a difficult off season, but I have no regrets being a part of such a wonderful group in 2022.

"I look forward to seeing where the journey will take me and my family. Je t'aime le monde Montreal."

Despite his age, Kamara is sure to have no shortage of interest in MLS given his record in the league with the likes of Minnesota United, Colorado Rapids, Sporting Kansas City and beyond.