D.C. United announced Tuesday the signing of a Designated Player - Argentine midfielder Marcelo "Muñeco" Gallardo. The dynamic playmaker will be introduced at the National Press Club at a 12-noon press conference on Tuesday. Gallardo will join the team for pre-season training in Bradenton, FL this week and be available for official selection upon receipt of his P-1 work visa.
"Throughout his career, Gallardo has been a dynamic attacking midfielder known for remarkable technique, impressive speed and quickness and an uncanny knack for providing service to his teammates," said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. "He has led teams to major championships in Argentina and France, and has been a star at every level for the National Team of Argentina, including playing in the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups. We are thrilled to have a player of his caliber joining D.C. United."
Gallardo most recently played with the Paris-based club Paris-Saint Germain. The 32-year-old midfielder made his debut for the club on January 7, 2007 - a 3-0 cup win over Nimes. In his only year with PSG, Gallardo made 13 appearances and scored two goals.
Nicknamed "El Muñeco" (the doll) due to his small frame, the 5-foot, 6-inch attacking midfielder began his career with powerhouse River Plate in Argentina in 1992. From 1992-1999 as a member of River Plate, Gallardo made 109 appearances and tallied 17 goals. During his seven year stint with the team, Gallardo helped River Plate win three Apertura championships (1993, 1994 and 1996), a Clausura titles (1997) and one Copa Libertadores cup (1996).
In 1999, Gallardo moved overseas to play with French power, Monaco, spending four years (1999-2003) with the club. In his first season with Monaco, Gallardo proved to be a dominant force the midfield, playing in 28 games and contributing eight goals. In 2000, Gallardo's second season with Monaco, he helped the team win the French Ligue 1 championship and the Trophee Des Champions (Champions Trophy). For his efforts that year, Gallardo was named French League Footballer of the Year. He was again the driving force in 2003 when Monaco captured French League Cup. After five years with Monaco, Gallardo made 102 total appearances and tallied 18 goals.
In 2003, after a successful five years with Monaco in France, Gallardo returned to his native country to play with the same club with which he began his professional career, River Plate. From 2003-2006 with River Plate, Gallardo appeared in 62 games and scored 25 goals, and helped the team once again win the Clausura in 2004.
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"We are pleased to have such a talented and distinguished player joining our club," said United General Manager Dave Kasper. "Marcelo has had tremendous success at both the domestic and international levels, and we look forward to his future contributions to D.C. United."
Throughout his career, Gallardo has seen great success with the Argentine National Team, playing in the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups. Gallardo made his international debut with Argentina in 1994, against Chile. He has made 44 appearances and scored 14 goals with the senior national team. He was also a member of the 1996 Argentine Olympic team that won the silver medal in the Summer Games in Atlanta. During the group stage of the '96 Olympics, Gallardo was a member of the Argentine team that earned a 1-1 draw versus Portugal on July 22 - at RFK Stadium.
Marcelo Gallardo Championships
Club
1993 - Apertura Championship (River Plate)
1994 - Apertura Championship (River Plate)
1996 - Apertura Championship (River Plate)
1996 - Copa Libertadores (River Plate)
1997 - Clausura Championship (River Plate)
2000 - French Ligue 1 Championship and Champions Trophy (Monaco)
2003 - French League Cup Championship (Monaco)
2004 - Clausura Championship (River Plate)
National Team
1996 - Silver Medal Atlanta Olympics (Argentina)
1998 - FIFA World Cup (Argentina)
2002 - FIFA World Cup (Argentina)
