Chilean international Marcelo Salas trained with the Chicago Fire Thursday during a practice session at the Toyota Park practice facility in Bridgeview, Ill. The left-footed striker joined the team for a midweek training session followed by a question and answer opportunity with media members.
"It's an exciting opportunity for the Chicago Fire to potentially bring in a player like Marcelo Salas," said Fire President/CEO John Guppy. "It's no secret that we've struggled on the offensive side of the game in the last few matches. We're not looking to lose offensive power, but we are looking to add."
The 32-year-old Salas split time between Universidad de Chile (1993-96, 2005-06) and River Plate (1996-98), of the Argentine First Division. Nicknamed 'El Matador,' Salas also spent five years in Italy, going to S.S. Lazio (1998-2001) for an $18 million transfer fee before landing with Juventus (2001-03), formerly of the Serie A, the Italian first division.
"The purpose of seeing Marcelo Salas today was to get to know him and meet him as a person," said Chicago Fire head coach Dave Sarachan. "As far as his time on the field, his play obviously indicated that he has a lot of experience and I think it went well today. It's a step-by-step process."
After training, Salas spoke with members of the media about his future plans and perception of soccer in the United States.
"I am grateful for the invitation on behalf of the Chicago Fire to come to Chicago to get to know the team's stadium, training facilities and coaching staff," Sala said. "In terms of the session, it's a good group and I appreciate the hospitality. It can be difficult for an outsider to assimilate in one session to a team but this group was very welcoming and that was a nice gesture."
Salas is expected to train again with the Fire Friday morning before leaving town.
