NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson and owners around the league remark on Miami FC joining as the 12th NASL club

An ownership group led by international entrepreneur Riccardo Silva and Italian national team legend Paolo Maldini has brought professional soccer back to Miami. The NASL announced Wednesday that Miami FC will begin play in 2016 as the city’s only professional soccer club.

Silva is the president and founder of the MP & Silva group, a worldwide leader in distribution of sports TV rights. Maldini, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of soccer, represented Italy in four FIFA World Cups and spent his entire 25-year professional career with AC Milan, where he won five European club championships.

In conjunction with an official press release distributed by the league and club this afternoon, below is a collection of quotes from NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson, as well as three other league owners, on Miami FC:

NASL COMMISSIONER BILL PETERSON

“This exciting announcement is another testament to the strength of our rapidly growing organization, our owner-friendly structure, and the growing popularity of NASL soccer worldwide. Riccardo Silva is a world leader in soccer media, and he has decided, along with his partners, that Miami and the NASL are part of an important future for the game globally.”

“Miami finally has an ownership group with a global vision and the experience to build a proper club that all of Miami will be proud to support. This group is very focused on fielding a competitive team and being a partner to the entire Miami community.”

FORT LAUDERDALE STRIKERS MANAGING PARTNER RICARDO GEROMEL

“The Fort Lauderdale Strikers welcome Miami FC to the NASL. I’m certain that the ownership group led by Riccardo Silva and Paolo Maldini will create a first-class organization. We expect a healthy and passionate rivalry when we meet on the field, which is great news for South Florida soccer fans. It furthers the case that this region is quickly becoming the soccer capital of North America.”

NEW YORK COSMOS CHAIRMAN SEAMUS O’BRIEN

“Miami FC’s ownership group, headed by renowned industry figure Riccardo Silva, further validates the ownership structure and business model of the league, which integrates seamlessly with the global game. Together with Paolo Maldini, I have no doubt Miami FC will continue to enhance the already respected technical and performance standards of each team, and will also help build the global recognition of the league.”

INDY ELEVEN OWNER ERSAL OZDEMIR

"Since joining the NASL a little more than two years ago, I've been impressed with the direction of the league and the level of passion amongst its diverse owners. It's clear that Miami FC's ownership group, led by Riccardo and Paolo, shares that same passion and believes in our vision for the future of the league. We welcome Miami FC and their fans and look forward to lining up against them starting next year."