MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact announced on Friday the signing of central defender Adrián López Rodriguez, which will be made official upon reception of his international transfer certificate. As per Major League Soccer policy, details of the contract were not disclosed.

Nicknamed "Piscu”, Adrián López Rodriguez is a central defender from Spain, who is 26, and was trained at Deportivo de La Coruña. He played his first two pro seasons with the Spanish club’s reserve team. From 2007 to 2010, he played 26 games in La Liga, Spain’s first division. He also made 10 appearances in the Copa del Rey and played in six games in the UEFA Cup.

In December 2010, he joined Wigan Athletic of the English Premier League, playing 11 games in two seasons with the club. He also suited up for three League Cup games and five FA Cup matches, helping his team to its first ever FA title in 2012-2013.

“We are very excited to have acquired Adrian, who played in top leagues like England and Spain,” said Impact sporting director Nick De Santis. “López is at a very good age and is very motivated to join the club. He will be an important part of our defensive line now, but also for the future. We have a good group so it was not an easy decision to add players but the personalities of López and Bernardello give us that chance as they will both fit in well.”

The team still has 11 foreign players on its roster as Nelson Rivas has been placed on injured reserve.

ADRIÁN LÓPEZ RODRIGUEZ

Position: D

Height: 6’0

Weight: 192 lbs.

Birthdate: February 25, 1987 in As Pontes, Spain

Residence: As Pontes, Spain

Citizenship: Spanish

Acquired: July 26, 2013

Experience: Deportivo de La Coruña (Spain), Wigan Athletic (England)