Clint Dempsey has been cleared to train again with the Seattle Sounders several months after being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.

Dempsey spoke to the media for the first time since he was diagnosed with the irregular heartbeat in August and his season was cut short.

“It was a heart issue. It’s something that’s difficult to kind of explain,” Dempsey said. “But at the same time I’m not feeling those things any more and I’m happy to be back playing.”

Dempsey estimated he’s probably at 85% to 90% of his full fitness level right now after starting a closely monitored exercise regime before training camp.

“I was able to consistently progress and work on my fitness and make sure everything was moving in the right direction,” Dempsey said. “It started off slow and had to work my way up and still working up now but feeling like I’m finally getting close.”