MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact refused to confirm various reports indicating that former Italian international forward Bernardo Corradi had signed with the club. But according to the man himself, both parties are very close to a deal, with official word on the matter likely coming “tonight or tomorrow.”
“We have been speaking about a short-term deal, maybe with an option,” Corradi explained to reporters after training on Wednesday. “I am not a 20-year-old player, so I can sign short-term and then we could negotiate another deal. Money is not a problem; it’s about being in the right situation. I have to be comfortable with the club, and the club has to feel comfortable with me.”
The 35-year-old, who most recently played for Udinese in Serie A, would become the second Italian player to join the Montreal Impact, following in the footsteps of defender Matteo Ferrari. Corradi has already indicated he feels welcomed in Montreal, describing the club as “a family where everyone cares about you.”
50,000 tickets sold
Impact owner Joey Saputo is getting close to the coveted attendance milestone he wants to reach. The club announced Wednesday that more than 50,000 tickets have been sold for the Impact’s home opener on Saturday against the Chicago Fire. The club is now a few thousand tickets away from the all-time attendance record for professional soccer in Montreal, which stands at 58,542 and was established by the old NASL Montreal Manic in 1981.
Montreal head coach Jesse Marsch appeared exceptionally upbeat over the news and praised the staff for attracting a crowd that will, in his view, give his team a definite edge.
“Now that we have a game under our belt, we’ll be more focused on exactly what the game is going to require,” Marsch told reporters. “We have enough guys who have played in front of big crowds and in big games. It’s going to be a good opportunity to show the city who we are. … They are going to see a team that they’re going to like, that will be easy to support.”
Injury update
Forward Eduardo Sebrango had to step off the field after injuring his groin during practice on Wedneday. The Cuban said he still hopes to be fit for Saturday’s game, but admitted his chances have decreased with the knock.
Colombian defender Nelson Rivas, who is out with a hamstring injury, has been running lightly for a few days, but is still far from a comeback.
