More than 5,000 people gathered at Toyota Park, home of the Chicago Fire, Monday to welcome the club's newest member, Mexican soccer idol Cuauhtemoc Blanco.
Most wearing the Club America jersey, the team for which Blanco still plays, and still many others wearing their Fire jerseys, the fans lined up outside the stadium from early afternoon waiting for the doors to open.
Two members of the Men in Red, captain Chris Armas and midfielder Diego Gutierrez, made Blanco's introduction to the adoring Fire faithful. The two presented Blanco with the jersey he will wear when he joins the team, the red home jersey with his number 10 on the back.
"We are very pleased to have such a talented player joining our team. This is a team that dreams of success and that hopefully will see those dreams comes true this season", said Gutierrez.
Greeted by non-stop chants, Blanco came onto the field and made his way to the improvised stage on the east side of the stadium, where he addressed the fans and media members.
"Thank you for such a warm welcome," said Blanco to the fans in the stands, among them entire families who held flags and posters of the Mexican idol. "I am very happy to be coming to Chicago. I will do my best and hope we will do well as a team and make it all the way to the final. I hope that we will give Chicago a championship and fulfill many dreams."
Blanco acknowledged the challenge he will face playing with the Fire.
"This is another challenge and I'm willing to do my best to make it a successful stay in this city," said the long-time Mexican international striker, who is hoping for a quick understanding with his new teammates.
"The first thing for the team to do is get to know each other," he said. "I hope that there will be a good understanding on the field and that it will be reflected on the scores."
After his brief comments, Blanco went to the crowd where he shook a large number of hands and signed autographs for some lucky fans. He left Toyota Park knowing the new stadium will soon be his home.
The thousands who witnessed the presentation of the new "Man in Red" left the stadium with high hopes for a good season, also looking forward to a special summer in Chicago during when they will chant for their idol.
The Fire will host a press conference Tuesday at a hotel in downtown Chicago during which they will make the official introducion of Blanco to the media.
Raquel Ortiz is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
