Barely an hour before his initial practice with the Chicago Fire on Friday, Cuauhtemoc Blanco was presented to the media, accompanied by club president John Guppy and Juan Carlos Osorio, Fire head coach.
The Fire's designated player appeared content and expressed his desire to begin working for the Fire. But among those most enthusiastic about the arrival of the Mexican star was Guppy.
"In the midst of numerous important accomplishments for the league, here in Chicago today we receive what we've waited for, for so long. We're here today -- the wait is over. In the name of this organization we welcome Temo to the team," Guppy said.
Osorio also welcomed anew the Fire's new No. 10, while also highlighting Blanco's abilities.
"In the soccer aspect it gives me much pleasure to have Cuauhtemoc Blanco with us. It's not necessary to say he's a very talented player and I hope he brings much to not only the team, but also to the league, as far as creativity. I know that I don't need to introduce him, all I can do is welcome him on behalf of the players and the coaching staff. I wish the best luck and success to him as well as for the team this season," said Osorio, who afterward spoke of his plans for the team with Blanco just a few steps away.
"I've spoken with him and he's in the physical condition to play which is why I expect he will play in the next two games," said Osorio.
The expected debut for Blanco will be Sunday against Scottish side Celtic FC, while the second game will be a July 25 friendly against Mexican club Santos Laguna in La Joya, Texas.
"This will be a great opportunity for Blanco to become incorporated into the team. In addition to these games it will give the opportunity for the players and the coaching staff to design a plan which will permit him to become involved with the team in the best manner," Osorio said, before turning things over to Blanco.
"I'm very happy to be here in Chicago. The truth is I wanted very much to come earlier, but unfortunately I couldn't arrive before since we were in the Copa America. I told [Guppy] I wanted to come before but it wasn't possible but I'm here now and very happy," Blanco said.
"I've come to work hard and do good things; I've seen Chicago's games and I believe it's not going well but with a good union of the group and if we give everything to the team to raise it up, we'll be in the playoffs," Blanco said.
Blanco said he was conscious of the importance of his arrival in the U.S.
"Yes, I know how important it is and as I said, I've come to work and to make a good bond with with the team as I've done with my previous teams."
Between smiles he said he's not come to compete with David Beckham in salary nor in beauty as far as their respective partners.
"My girlfriend is very beautiful but I haven't come to compete with David Beckham. I simply have come to work to improve the Chicago team," Blanco said.
The goals of the "Aguila de Fuego" were expressed very clearly.
"To get to the finals and win championships. I believe this is my great dream," he said. "I've always said you don't have to be satisfied with you have, but that you always have to want more."
It was April 3 of this year when Blanco was presented as the biggest signing for the Chicago Fire, and at his side was then-coach Dave Sarachan. Questioned about the change in coaches which he found upon his arrival, Blanco wanted to recognize only soccer questions.
"A new coach has come and that's soccer. When things don't work out, there are changes in an institution," he said. "Although I haven't had much to get to know (Osorio) what's important is that we have to put in the work and to be totally united for the team to achieve its goals."
After the press conference, Blanco went out onto the field for his first official training session with the Men in Red. The game against Celtic FC, that will kick off the Blanco era, will be Sunday afternoon at Toyota Park.
Raquel Ortiz is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
