‘A dream for me': Charlotte MLS announces Spanish midfielder Ruiz as first signing

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte’s Major League Soccer team has signed its first professional player -- Spanish midfielder Sergio Ruiz.

The 25-year-old is coming from the Spanish second division, where he played for Racing Santander and was a captain.

Charlotte MLS Sporting Director Zoran Krneta said his team had been scouting Ruiz for months. He said he believes Ruiz is the ideal player to start Charlotte’s MLS team with.

“We are laying down the foundations of a competitive and winning team,” Krneta said. “He is a natural leader and an intelligent, versatile midfielder, who will be joining Charlotte MLS in his prime. We are very pleased that he has decided to join us.”

Ruiz has spent the last three seasons playing for Racing in Spain. Officials said his six goals and seven assists during the 2018-2019 season helped promote Racing to the Spanish Second Division.

Charlotte MLS Scouting Director Thomas Schaling described Ruiz as someone who is able to adapt well to different roles, both on and off the field.

“Every 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,” Schaling said.

According Charlotte MLS, Ruiz played 31 times during Racing’s 2019-2020 season.

Ruiz said he is excited about making the move to the Queen City and he is committed to making the team’s fans proud.

“I am so happy and am really looking forward to arriving in Charlotte,” said Ruiz. “It’s 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.”

Ruiz will take one of the Charlotte MLS team’s eight international roster slots. Officials said until the team starts playing, Ruiz will be loaned out to another team in order to keep in shape.

Officials gear up for MLS team Officials gear up for MLS team

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