Bring Pável Pardo back.
After coming in midseason and sparking the Chicago Fire’s turnaround, that’s what the player, the team and their fans wanted – and that’s what they got.
On Wednesday, the Fire announced they had re-signed the 35-year-old two-time World Cup veteran ahead of the 2012 season. Per league and team policy, details of the deal were not disclosed.
WATCH: Pardo's first goal in MLS
“Pável helped kickstart our turnaround at the end of last season,” Chicago Fire head coach Frank Klopas said in a statement. “He provides tremendous experience for us in the middle of the park, serves as a great example for our younger players, and plays for the badge every time he steps on the field.”
Pardo arrived in Chicago last July, showing what a difference he could make on the team when started and scored in his MLS debut, a 1-1 tie against the Philadelphia Union.
The holding midfielder, who has won league titles in Mexico and Germany as well as two Gold Cup crowns with Mexico during his 19-year career, went on to appear in 12 more MLS matches (including 11 starts) and added five assists to his name during that span.
However, it may have been his contributions on the other side of the ball that were more important for the team's strong finish to the campaign. With Pardo holding down the midfield, the team's attackers were able to do just that, attack. keyed the Fire's strong finish to the campaign.
