VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club has acquired centre back Diego Martín Rodriguez Telechea on a one-year loan with a transfer option from Club Atlético Juventud de Las Piedras of the Uruguayan Primera Division – pending receipt of his international transfer certificate. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Diego Martin Rodriguez Telechea – Whitecaps FC defender

Started 20 of 21 appearances with Juventud the last two seasons

42 appearances with Malaga CF reserve side

Made professional debut at the age of 19

Four appearances with the Uruguayan U-20 national team

“Diego is a technically sound left-footed centre back with great upside,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. “He brings experience from both South America and Europe and we are excited to welcome him to our club.”

Rodriguez, 24, joins Whitecaps FC after spending the past year with Juventud in the Uruguayan Primera Division. In that time, the 6-foot-2 centre back started 20 of his 21 appearances, scoring one goal and recording one assist.

"I'm very happy and grateful for this opportunity," said Rodriguez. "I was attracted to the direction of the club and the growth of MLS. I'm ready to get going and play in front of Vancouver's fantastic fans."

Prior to returning to his native country, Rodriguez spent three years at Malaga CF in the Spanish La Liga – teammates with Whitecaps FC captain Pedro Morales during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons. The Uruguayan defender played 42 matches for the Malaga reserve side, Atletico Malagueño, scoring five goals.

A youth product of his hometown club Montevideo Wanderers FC, Rodriguez made his debut with the club’s first team in the Uruguayan Primera Divison at the age of 19. After making five league appearances with Montevideo, Rodriguez moved to Spain to join Malaga.

Internationally, Rodriguez holds both Uruguayan and Italian citizenship, making four appearances with the Uruguayan U-20 national team.

Diego Martin Rodriguez Telechea

Position: Centre back

Height: 6-2

Weight: 185 pounds

Born: January 8, 1991

Last Club: Club Atlético Juventud de Las Piedras

Citizenship: Uruguay/Italy

Status: International

Acquired: One-year loan from Uruguayan Primera Division side Club Atlético Juventud de Las Piedras on Wednesday, January 14, 2015

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