Los Angeles Blues News Release -- www.bluesprosoccer.com
Thursday, February 24, 2011
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Blues of USL PRO are proud to announce the signing of star Argentine midfielder Walter Gaitán to a one-year contract, pending USL and USSF approval.
Gaitán, 33, has spent the past 10 years as one of the top offensive stars of the Mexican Premier Division with Tigres UANL and Necaxa, scoring 76 goals in 197 games since 2002.
“I am very happy to be coming to the LA Blues.” Gaitán said. “I expect to be a big part of the team and I come ready to do big things in USL PRO. I want to be close to fans so I can interact and pose as an example for young players.
“I’m excited to be arriving soon and to be able to put my experience to work, and create a long-term relationship with the team and fans.”
A native of La Rioja, Argentina, Gaitán began his career in Argentina with Rosario Central in 1997. He moved to Villarreal CF of the Spanish Liga in 1998 and after two years in Spain, he returned to Argentina in 2000, joining the prestigious Boca Juniors.
Gaitán moved to Mexico for the 2002 Apertura, signing with Tigres UANL. After scoring four goals in 15 games in his first season, he added eight in the 2003 Clausura. He was considered one of the top midfielders in the Mexican league for several years and was the top goal scorer of the 2005 Apertura. He was also named best player of the 2006 Clausura.
"We are extremely excited to add a world class player like Walter,” Blues Head Coach Charlie Naimo said. “Breaking down defenses and scoring goals is not easy and throughout his career Walter has proven success doing it."