Seattle Sounders FC signed Uruguay national
team midfielder Alvaro Fernandez, the Major League Soccer club announced on
Thursday.
The 24-year-old Fernandez, who will be Seattle's third designated player,
joining Freddie Ljungberg and Blaise Nkufo, played four matches for Uruguay
during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
"Alvaro is a versatile player who can play in a number of midfield positions,"
Sounders coach Sigi Schmid said. "He brings good energy to the game as well as
World Cup experience. He can score and also set-up others."
"I'm very excited to be playing in the U.S. because the football has grown a
lot in the last few years and keeps getting better," Fernandez said. "Seattle
is beautiful and I think it's the ideal place to be with my family. All these
things helped in making my decision."
On top of his national team experience, Fernandez is a veteran of top-flight
leagues in Uruguay, Mexico, Portugal and Chile.
"My goals are always the same whenever I join a team: try to help, on and off
the field; help the club achieve its goals; and, obviously, win
championships," Fernandez said. "I believe I can contribute through my
experience. I describe myself as a fast, smooth player, who can play on either
flank. I am strong in the air, and I work very hard."
"Alvaro is experienced internationally and he has demonstrated a tremendous
work rate and great tactical awareness," Sounders technical director Chris
Henderson said. "He likes to connect passes, possesses good pace and moves
well off the ball."
Fernandez' signing will be finalized upon receipt of his International
Transfer Certificate. Per MLS and club policy, terms were not disclosed.
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