SANDY – A day after falling in the semi-finals of the U.S. Open Cup, Real Salt Lake has signed a new striker.
Here’s a clue: it’s a Burrito.
The Salt Lake club announced the signing of former Argentine Juan Manuel Martínez, former Boca Juniors star nicknamed “El Burrito” (burrito) for his resemblance to former Argentine star Ariel “El Burrito” Ortega, waiting to receive his P-1 Visa and move-in certificate.
“John is a high-quality player who can give new impetus to our offense and at the same time be part of our taste for keeping the ball on the ground,” RSL technical director Craig Waibel said in a statement. “A player with his pedigree and background will be a burden to our locker room and our field game.”
Martínez scored a goal in 4 appearances for the Argentine national team in 2011–12 and joined RSL after two years with outstanding Argentine club Boca Juniors. RSL acquired the 29-year-old striker as a discovery claim on Thursday, signing him to a designated player contract.
To accommodate the contract, RSL also used a specific assignment to redeem the previous contract charge of team captain Kyle Beckerman. Beckerman in the past earned $700,000 in guaranteed compensation, according to MLS Players Union. The details of Martinez’s contract were not released without delay.
Martínez has scored 10 goals in 58 games for Boca Juniors in the Argentine Primera División. The 5-foot-9-inch, 170-pound striker also scored two goals in 18 appearances in a season with Brazilian Corinthians, adding an appearance at the Club World Cup opposite Chelsea FC in the Premier League after his professional career with Argentine Vélez Sarsfield.
He was named Argentine co-footballer of the year in 2010, sharing the award with Lionel Messi of Barcelona after Martínez helped Vélez Sarsfield win the Opening title.
“Martinez is a very experienced player,” RSL head coach Jeff Cassar said in a statement. “He has played in several high-level conditions and has been a success in each and every stage. We think it will bring the flavor of football we need for our club and our hobby.”
RSL veteran midfielder Javier Morales has followed Martinez’s career in the Argentine league, in Boca Juniors, and expressed his enthusiasm for the new acquisition of his club.
“He’s a wonderful gambler, with his feet, pretty fast and a wise guy, ” said Morales to RealSaltLake.com. “I am very pleased that you have come here to see what you can do for us.