Ghana goalkeeper Adam Larsen Kwarasey says his move to Major League Soccer side Portland Timbers will help boost his career as he is prepared for the new challenge in the United States.

The 26-year-old signed a long-term contract with the Portland Timbers after opting not to extend his contract with Norwegian side Stromsgodset.

Kwarasey says the challenge of playing for Portland in the MLS excites him. “I am really looking forward to just playing in the MLS,” Kwarasey said in his first interview since completing the deal on Monday.

“I have heard a lot about it and I have heard that Portland is one of the most traditional clubs in the MLS with great fans and some history behind the club. “Everything is in order for a player to perform and I am really excited to come here.”

The 26-year-old, who has played 21 times for the Black Stars, joins from Norwegian team Stromsgodset where he began his career in 2007.

He made 154 league appearances for the club and was captain in 2013 and 2014. Kwarasey was the first-choice stopper for Ghana at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

And he made one appearance at the World Cup in Brazil in the summer – a 2-1 loss against the United States in the opening match of Group D.