Though he originally hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cedrick Mabwati’s growth as a soccer player can be attributed to the country of Spain.

Crew SC’s newest addition emigrated from Central Africa to Spain during his early teenage years to join Atlético Madrid’s youth academy. Mabwati spent over two seasons with Atlético's B team and made his senior team debut with a Copa del Rey start against Recreativo Huelva.

From Spain’s capital, the midfielder went on to several Spanish clubs over the next five years, including stints with CD Numancia, Real Betis, and most recently CA Osasuna. Mabwati made his La Liga debut with Real Betis in the 2013-2014 season. He made 23 appearances (12 starts), recording one assist, which came in his debut appearance on August 18, 2013 against Real Madrid.

Mabwati began the 2014-2015 season with Real Betis in the Segunda Division after the club was relegated the season prior. He then transferred to fellow Segunda Division club Osasuna, where he made 30 appearances, contributing three assists. He finished his loan at Osasuna before joining the Black & Gold officially on July 8, 2015.

With 215 caps across three Spanish divisions, Mabwati, at age 23, brings a wealth of soccer experience to Columbus.

Crew SC Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter said he plans to integrate the winger as fast as possible.

“He gives you pace. He’s very good one-v-one,” Berhalter said about Mabwati. “If you have a guy in the latter stretches of the game that can take the ball the whole length of the field, it can be pretty effective.”

Mabwati has taken his pace to international competition, representing his home nation of DR Congo. During the country’s qualification run for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, he made six starts and registered an assist against Kei Kamara’s Sierra Leone side.

Now that Kamara is a teammate, and Mabwati has arrived in Columbus, the Congolese international says he is ready for his next milestone.

“I’m excited to be here and work hard for this club,” Mabwati said with the assistance of an interpreter. “I attack very well up front and I am very skillful, so that is what I am going to try to bring here.

"I’m just very excited," he added. "The League has grown and I decided to try something new. I have been in Spain for a very long time so I wanted to get out a little bit and experience a new league."

Mabwati admitted the adjustment to MLS may take a bit of time, largely because he is unfamiliar with the League and this is his first time in the United States. Challenges aside, the wait is over, and Mabwati is eager to start a new chapter in his career.

"I am here to play and I am here to work hard and be an asset for this team," he said. "I am prepared and I am ready to go."

To learn more about Cedrick Mabwati, inlcuding his favorite rapper and soccer player, visit his player profile here.

Watch Mabwati's first interview here: