CHICAGO (March 3, 2016) – The Chicago Fire announced Thursday that the club has signed midfielder Arturo Alvarez. A Salvadoran international, Alvarez has signed a one-year deal with a club option for 2017, and will be added to the roster upon receipt of his ITC.

"Arturo is a successful veteran of MLS who has important international experience,” said Fire general manager Nelson Rodríguez. “His poise on the ball and his unselfish work rate complements our group."

At the age of 17, Alvarez signed a Project-40 contract and was selected in the first round (13th overall) of the 2003 MLS SuperDraft by the San Jose Earthquakes. Alvarez scored two goals and added one assist in 26 matches in his first two season as a professional before he was traded to FC Dallas prior to the start of the 2005 season. From 2005-08, Alvarez played a total of 86 games for FC Dallas, scoring 11 goals and adding 11 assists before re-joining the Earthquakes in 2008.

Through 2010, Alvarez made an additional 54 appearances for the Earthquakes, adding 11 goals and six assists. Alvarez was selected in the 2010 MLS Expansion Draft by the Portland Timbers and was immediately traded to Real Salt Lake who he represented for one season.

In 2012, Alvarez joined Portuguese Primeira Liga side F.C. Paços de Ferreira, scoring three goals in 13 matches before going to Hungarian side Videoton FC on loan in 2013. In 55 appearances for Videoton, Alvarez scored eight goals.

The Houston-born Alvarez represented the United States on various youth levels before making his senior international debut for his parents’ native El Salvador on Sept. 5, 2009. Alvarez has since earned 43 caps, scoring four goals for El Salvador and has represented his side in the 2011 and 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cups, the 2014 Copa Centroamericana and FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches.

Name: Arturo Alvarez

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5’9”

Weight: 170 lbs.

Born: June 28, 1985

Birthplace: Houston, TX

Citizenship: USA/El Salvador

Last Club: Videoton (HUN)

Acquired: Signed on March 3, 2016 as a Discovery Signing

Twitter: @artieart10