CHARLOTTE (July 8th, 2020) — Charlotte’s 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.
“We are laying down the foundations of a competitive and winning team, and Ruiz is the ideal player to start with,†says Charlotte Â鶹ÊÓƵ Sporting Director Zoran Krneta. “We’ve been scouting him for several months. He is a natural leader and an intelligent, versatile midfielder, who will be joining Charlotte Â鶹ÊÓƵ in his prime. I’m very pleased that he has decided to join us.â€
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.
“He is someone who has adapted himself very well to different roles, whether that’s playing in a two-man or a three-man midfield,†says Charlotte Â鶹ÊÓƵ Scouting Director Thomas Schaling.
“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.â€
Ruiz, renowned for his leadership qualities and technical abilities, played 31 times in Racing’s 2019-20 campaign.
“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.â€
Ruiz will occupy one of Charlotte Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s eight international roster slots. His signing came during Â鶹ÊÓƵ’ two-day transfer window, which fell before the start of the 2020 Â鶹ÊÓƵ Is Back Tournament. To maintain match fitness, Ruiz will be loaned out until Charlotte Â鶹ÊÓƵ begins play.
[INSERT Sergio Ruiz HIGHLIGHT VIDEO]
