YouthCollegeAdultPro

Marcelo Gallardo is D.C. United's first Designated Player

29 Jan, 2008

D.C. United announced late Monday the signing of a Designated Player - Argentine midfielder Marcelo "Muñeco" Gallardo. The dynamic playmaker will be introduced at the National Press Club at a 12-noon press conference on Tuesday. Gallardo will join the team for pre-season training in Bradenton, FL this week and be available for official selection upon receipt of his P-1 work visa.

"Throughout his career, Gallardo has been a dynamic attacking midfielder known for remarkable technique, impressive speed and quickness, and an uncanny knack for providing service to his teammates," said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. "He has led teams to major championships in Argentina and France, and has been a star at every level for the National Team of Argentina, including playing in the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups. We are thrilled to have a player of his caliber joining D.C. United."

Gallardo most recently played with the Paris-based club Paris-Saint Germain after signing a contract in January of last year. The 32-year-old midfielder made his debut for the club on January 7, in a 3-0 cup win over Nimes. In his only year with PSG, Gallardo made 13 appearances and scored two goals.

In 2003, after a successful five years with Monaco in France, Gallardo returned to his native country to play with the same club with which he began his professional career, River Plate. From 2003-2006 with River Plate, Gallardo appeared in 62 games and scored 25 goals, helping the team win the Clausura in 2004.

Gallardo moved overseas in 1999 to play with French power, Monaco, from 1999-2003. In his first season with Monaco, Gallardo proved to be a dominant force the midfield, playing in 28 games, with eight goals. In 2000, Gallardo's second season with Monaco, he helped the team win the French Ligue 1 championship and the Trophee Des Champions (Champions Trophy). Also in 2000, Gallardo was named French League Footballer of the Year. Gallardo was a driving force in Monaco capturing the French League Cup in 2003. After five years with Monaco, Gallardo made 102 appearances with 18 goals.

Nicknamed "El Muñeco" (the doll) due to his small frame, the 5-foot, 6-inch attacking midfielder began his career with powerhouse River Plate in Argentina in 1992. In the seven years he spent with River during this first stint, Gallardo made 109 appearances and tallied 17 goals. All told, Gallardo helped River Plate win three Apertura championships (in 1993, 1994 and 1996), two Clausura titles (1997 and 2004) and one Copa Libertadores cup (1996).

"We are pleased to have such a talented and distinguished player joining our club," said United General Manager Dave Kasper. "Marcelo has had tremendous success at both the domestic and international levels, and we look forward to his future contributions to D.C. United."

Throughout his career, Gallardo has seen great success with the Argentine National Team, playing in the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups. Gallardo made his international debut with Argentina in 1994, against Chile. He has made 44 appearances and scored 14 goals with the senior national team. He was also a member of the 1996 Argentine Olympic team that won the silver medal in the Summer Games in Atlanta.

Marcelo Gallardo Championships

Club
1993 - Apertura Championship (River Plate)
1994 - Apertura Championship (River Plate)
1996 - Apertura Championship (River Plate)
1996 - Copa Libertadores (River Plate)
1997 - Clausura Championship (River Plate)
2000 - French Ligue 1 Championship and Champions Trophy (Monaco)
2003 - French League Cup Championship (Monaco)
2004 - Clausura Championship (River Plate)

National Team
1996 - Silver Medal Atlanta Olympics (Argentina)
1998 - FIFA World Cup (Argentina)
2002 - FIFA World Cup (Argentina)

« Back to full list of Pro

• Dec 09, 2008
• Dec 05, 2008
• Dec 02, 2008
• Nov 28, 2008
• Nov 25, 2008
• » more