When he fell out of favor with Xanthi management in 2011, the Sounders put in an offer to bring Gspurning to MLS. He accepted, choosing to play for a relatively new American club instead of Greek giant Panathinaikos, the most successful Greek club in terms of continental achievements.
"There was much more money in this offer (from Panathinaikos)," Gspurning said. "As a professional athlete, you have just a short period to make money, and in this case, they have to make a decision. But in the end, I knew that Seattle is much better for me and for my family, and I am happy to make it here."
Still, the decision was not that simple. Gspurning knew that if he came to Seattle, he would have a tough time breaking back into the Austrian national team.
"I knew that it's tough to come to the national team if I'm going to Seattle, and maybe because I was in that moment not in the national team, that made it easier to make the decision to (come to) Seattle," he said. "But it's now my performances and my standing are recognized in Austria, too."
If he stayed in Greece, Gspurning would be closer at hand for the Austrian technical staff to see. He is convinced that if he stayed, he would have at least been invited to some training camps.
"If I had signed with Panathinaikos, I would for sure be in the national team."
"If I had signed with Panathinaikos, I would for sure be in the national team," he said. "It has nothing to do with the MLS or the Seattle Sounders, that here is not quality, it's just more about that you're looking for close solutions, and it's not easy for a player to fly around the world and play games. ... This was also a decision I had to make. I said, when I signed for the Sounders: OK, if I do this, and if I'm going to America, then I do it with 100 percent, and I don't regret anything, and that's also including with the national team."
Why wouldnt they run it as a bullshyt Football Spy story. Cross is the same one who said he makes up stories for clicks. 
- and if they put anything there its 100% serious almost done deal
I didnt even realize this. The used to always schedule neutral sites with no crowds whenever they drew each other in the 90's. Definitely gonna be watching.
