New York City FC on Saturday announced the signing of Argentine defensive midfielder Federico Bravo, on loan from Boca Juniors. The 22-year-old will remain with NYCFC through the end of 2016, pending receipt of his international transfer certificate.
Bravo has made 37 appearances for the Boca first team since 2013 and sees MLS as an exciting place to continue his career.
“This league is growing rapidly and is an exciting place to play.” Bravo told NYCFC.com. “My position is defensive midfield, but I can also play in central defense. I will give 100% on every play and support the team wherever necessary.”
“This is a great club to be part of, I can feel that already. I joined up with the group a few days ago and everyone is focused, working hard and looking forward to the start of the season. We hope to have a good year.”
NYCFC head coach Patrick Vieira praised the player's versatility, though both him and sporting director Claudio Reyna both spoke of him primarily as a defensive midfielder.
“Federico is a good passing defensive midfielder who can shield the back four. He’s played over 35 first team games for Boca Juniors in a very competitive league,” said Reyna. “We’re getting a player with good experience that can provide depth and qualities we need.”
“He’s also another young player that we’ve added to the team during this window. It’s been one of the focuses of our offseason recruitment to make sure we added some youthful energy into the squad – and with the additions of Ronald [Matarrita], Diego [Martinez], Ethan [White], Jack [Harrison], Mikey [Lopez] and now Federico – we have added a good amount of quality under the age of 25.”
In addition to his experience in the Argentine league, Bravo has made three appearances off the bench over two Copa Libertadores tournaments and appeared in all three group-stage games for the Boca Under-20s in both the 2011 and 2012 U-20 Copa Libertadores.
