BRIDGEVIEW, IL - The Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer (MLS) have announced the biggest signing in team history with the acquisition of Cuauhtémoc Blanco Bravo (first name pronounced: quaw-TEH-mok), a creative striker with Club América of the Mexican First Division. Blanco is expected to join the team July 1.
The Fire used its Designated Player (DP) spot to acquire Blanco. MLS instituted the Designated Player Rule in November, 2006. The salary of a Designated Player counts $400,000 against the team salary budget, paid collectively by all MLS investors. The remainder of a DP's salary is covered by his team, and does not count against its salary budget. Blanco, 34, is the third MLS DP signing, joining David Beckham of the Los Angeles Galaxy and Claudio Reyna of Red Bull New York. Per league and team policies, specific terms of Blanco's contract will not be disclosed. It is, however, considered to be the largest player investment deal in the history of Chicago professional soccer.
"Cuauhtémoc Blanco is one of the finest Mexican players of his era," said Fire President/CEO John Guppy. "He is known the world over for his incredible talent, competitiveness and passion for the game. His unique qualities and stature in the Hispanic community make him a perfect fit for our organization."
"Today represents a real milestone for the Chicago Fire organization," said Fire head coach Dave Sarachan. "We've added a player with world-wide presence. Blanco is a player we feel can help our team achieve great things this year. He has tremendous experience at every level of soccer and it's going to make for an exciting year for our players, coaching staff and fans."
A fixture on the Mexican National Team, Blanco has scored 25 goals in 95 appearances. He has represented Mexico at two FIFA World Cups (1998, 2002), scoring in each tournament. When the popular striker was left off the 2006 World Cup roster, a large group of supporters organized a 15-kilometer protest march. He played for Mexico at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta.
One of Blanco's brightest moments in international play occurred at the 1999 Confederations Cup, when he led Mexico past Brazil for the title, setting a tournament record for goals (9) in the process. The 34-year-old forward has led the Tricolor to a pair of CONCACAF Gold Cup titles (1996, 1998) and could make an appearance on Chicago soil in late June when the Gold Cup semifinals and finals are staged at Solider Field.
Inventive on the pitch, Blanco is known for his unique Cuauhtémiña (CWAU-te-MEEN-YA) or "Blanco Bounce" move, in which he jumps with the ball held between his feet to escape defenders. Blanco is equally creative with his goal celebrations. To honor Mexican tradition and history, Blanco strikes the pose of prehispanic ruler Tlatoani Cuauhtémoc, who attempted to save the Aztecs from Spanish Conquistadors. While playing for Veracruz in 2004, Blanco modified his celebration, putting hand to head like a fin, thus earning the nickname "White Shark."
Born in Mexico City, Blanco began his distinguished career in the Primera Division de Mexico at the ripe age of 17, joining Club América in 1990. Since then, he has scored 135 goals and was named most valuable player in 2004 and 2005. During the Invierno season of 1998, Blanco paced all scorers with 16 goals in 16 games. He led América to the CONCACAF Champions' Cup title in 2006, the Clausura league crown in 2005 and a Super Cup trophy in 2000.
Blanco will become the second Mexican national team star to play for the Fire. Flamboyant goalkeeper Jorge Campos appeared in eight games during the team's inaugural season in 1998.
The Fire open their 10th MLS season on Saturday, April 7, hosting the New England Revolution at 7:30 p.m. CT at TOYOTA PARK.
