WASHINGTON (AFP) — Argentina midfielder Marcelo Gallardo, a former World Cup starter who played in France last season, has signed a deal to play for DC United of Major League Soccer, the US club announced Tuesday.
The 32-year-old South American standout is United's first designated player, a high-profile talent signed beyond MLS salary limits - the same exception that allowed English star midfielder David Beckham to join the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Gallardo, who played for Argentina in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, scored two goals in 13 games for Paris Saint Germain last year after starring with Monaco from 1999-2003 and returning home to play at River Plate from 2003-2006.
"Throughout his career, Gallardo has been a dynamic attacking midfielder known for remarkable technique, impressive speed and quickness and an uncanny knack for providing service to his teammates," United president Kevin Payne said.
"We are thrilled to have a player of his calibre."
Gallardo was the 2000 French League Footballer of the Year while sparking Monaco to the league title and Champions Trophy. He also sparked a 2003 French league Cup crown in 102 games for Monaco, scoring 18 goals.
Nicknamed "The Doll" for his diminutive frame, Gallardo has 44 caps and 14 goals for Argentina plus a silver medal from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
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