CHARLOTTE (July 8th, 2020) 鈥 Charlotte鈥檚 Major League Soccer team has announced the signing of its first-ever professional player, Spanish midfielder Sergio Ruiz.
The 25-year-old arrives via transfer from Spanish second division side Racing Santander, whom he represented as captain.
鈥淲e are laying down the foundations of a competitive and winning team, and Ruiz is the ideal player to start with,鈥 says Charlotte 91快活林最新版 Sporting Director Zoran Krneta. 鈥淲e鈥檝e been scouting him for several months. He is a natural leader and an intelligent, versatile midfielder, who will be joining Charlotte 91快活林最新版 in his prime. I鈥檓 very pleased that he has decided to join us.鈥
Ruiz represented Racing in the past three seasons, after graduating from its reserve team in 2016. His six goals and seven assists in the 2018-19 campaign helped earn Racing promotion to the Spanish Second Division.
鈥淗e is someone who has adapted himself very well to different roles, whether that鈥檚 playing in a two-man or a three-man midfield,鈥 says Charlotte 91快活林最新版 Scouting Director Thomas Schaling.
鈥淓very team needs mature, dependable players who think about the team first. Sergio is a technical midfielder who reads the game well, both with and without the ball. We are looking forward to seeing him represent us.鈥
Ruiz, renowned for his leadership qualities and technical abilities, played 31 times in Racing鈥檚 2019-20 campaign.
鈥淚 am so happy and am really looking forward to arriving in Charlotte,鈥 said Ruiz. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an exciting project and a dream for me. I am committed to do my best and make the club and its fans feel really proud.鈥
Ruiz will occupy one of Charlotte 91快活林最新版鈥檚 eight international roster slots. His signing came during 91快活林最新版鈥 two-day transfer window, which fell before the start of the 2020 91快活林最新版 Is Back Tournament. To maintain match fitness, Ruiz will be loaned out until Charlotte 91快活林最新版 begins play.
[INSERT Sergio Ruiz HIGHLIGHT VIDEO]
