Carlos "Pescadito" Ruiz has renewed his contract for two more seasons, with an option for two more years, in a transaction that ties him to FC Dallas for the foreseeable future. The announcement was Thursday by FC Dallas president and general manager Michael Hitchcock, head coach Colin Clarke and with the Guatemalan international forward in attendance at Pizza Hut Park.
"Carlos is what can be best described as a pure goalscorer, who expects to score goals every time he steps on the pitch. But even more importantly, he is a winner, who knows what it takes to win an MLS Cup," Hitchcock said.
"As soon as we evaluated this team at the start of the offseason, we made re-signing Carlos priority No. 1. We want players who know how to win championships, but also have the drive to do so, and that personifies Carlos. Any time you can keep one of the best players in the league in your uniform for the long term, you're in a very good position to compete for the MLS Cup every year and because of that we are very happy to have Carlos wearing Hoops for years to come."
Clarke was the first to declare his satisfaction at again being able to count upon as important a figure as Ruiz in his team. "From the end of last season I had spoken with Carlos of my desire, and that of the organization, of being able to count on his services. We knew that everything would depend on the negotiations and the financial deal. I have to again reiterate my satisfaction at having him for two more years," Clarke said.
Before the media, Ruiz was very specific in his reasons for returning to FC Dallas. Speaking first in English, then in Spanish, Ruiz outlined the details of his renewed contract with the club.
"I have been able to rest adequately, and I'm coming back renewed. I was in Guatemala enjoying deserved vacations with my family and I'm ready to face the new season in MLS," Ruiz said.
"Logically it pleases me to return to FC Dallas, because my (goalscoring) output was good in spite of not having played in most of the games for obvious reasons that you know, as in for example playing in the (World Cup) qualifiers with the national team of my country, Guatemala," said Ruiz.
Responding to questions from the media, Ruiz said "I can tell you that I personally never spoke with a club executive about my transfer to another club in Europe or Mexico. If they did they spoke with my agent or with the directors of Municipal in Guatemala, who are the people in charge of that work and the soccer future of Carlos Ruiz.
"As far as my physical condition, I am ready to start the work of preseason. I have taken the vacations that all workers of the world deserve -- I am human, have worked hard, and I deserved a rest. Now, I'm back at the moment of working hard in the face of the 2006 season. It's time to win a title with FC Dallas."
Ruiz confirmed he will be a part of the Guatemalan national team that will take on the U.S. national team in a friendly at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco on Feb. 19.
Luis Lara is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
