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Posted by
Kevin Duarte,
July 26, 2013 |
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Kevin Duarte
Twitter @DuarteK27 |
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The Montreal Impact have announced the signing of Spanish central defender Adrián López Rodríguez on Friday morning.
López Rodríguez, commonly known as Piscu, is the Impact's second signing of the week, after midfielder Hernán Bernardello joined as the club's second designated player. Piscu is waiting to receive his international transfer certificate before officially joining the Canadian outfit.
“We are very excited to have acquired Adrian, who played in top leagues like England and Spain,” said sporting director Nick De Santis in the club's press release. “López is at a very good age and is very motivated to join the club. He will be an important part of our defensive line now, but also for the future. We have a good group so it was not an easy decision to add players but the personalities of López and Bernardello give us that chance as they will both fit in well.”
The As Pontes, Galicia native uses up one of Montreal's international player spots. With the club already using 11 spots, Colombian defender Nelson Rivas was put on the long-term injury reserve list to free a spot up for Piscu.
Piscu, 26-years-old, arrives in North America's top flight after spending the last two years at English Premier League side Wigan Athletic. He made 19 appearances in all competitions for the Latics.
Prior to his move to England, López Rodríguez represented his local Galician side Deportivo de La Coruña. He made 26 appearances in La Liga for the club and also featured in various Copa del Rey and UEFA Cup matches. His total tenure at Dépor lasted nearly a decade including his days in the team's youth academy and B team.
As per Major League Soccer policy, the details of his contract were not disclosed. But as indicated by De Santis in the press release, López Rodríguez will not only help the club immediately, rather in the future as well.
It is evident Montreal has already started planning for next season. With Alessandro Nesta expected to retire at season's end and Rivas constantly dealing with his unfortunate injury problems, López Rodríguez will be a key component down the road.
Since the Spaniard has not featured regularly in matches throughout his career, his time with the Montreal Impact should allow him to see more pitch time on a regular basis. López Rodríguez has experience playing in arguably the top two leagues in the world and should be able to make a difference in Major League Soccer.
In Montreal's midseason assessment, the club mentioned they were in the market for one or two new players to strengthen the squad ahead of a busy upcoming schedule. The club did just that adding two new faces this week.
Montreal is set to participate in the CONCACAF Champions League beginning August 7. They will need a full squad to be able close out the rest of the MLS regular season and the group stage of the Champions League.
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