Torres joins from Venezuelan side Zamora.
Gabriel Torres has become the Colorado Rapids’ first designated player after completing his move to MLS from Venezuelan side Zamora, according to MLSsoccer. The process has been a long one, but Colorado Rapids fans will be pleased the deal has gone over the line, and now have a proven goalscorer added to their ranks.
Torres has been watched by giants throughout his career, having twice flown to England to train with Manchester United, and once with Valencia C.F..
Torres will be eligible to join the Rapids pending receipt of his P-1 visa. His Designated Player status comes from a combination of his salary and acquisition costs, the team explained, and he will occupy an International spot on Colorado’s roster.
Torres arrives after joining Landon Donovan and Chris Wondolowski at the top of the 2013 Gold Cup scoring charts with five goals last month, including a two-goal performance in a group-stage victory over Mexico in early July. Torres’ arrival from Panamanian club San Francisco had been reported weeks ago, but reported interest in the player from France and Mexico helped prolong the transfer saga.
“I’m happy to join the Colorado Rapids, and I will give my all to this club,” Torres said in a statement on Thursday. “Coach (Oscar Pareja) has had confidence in me from the beginning. He told me about the team and the project, and that got my attention. It’s why I’m here, looking to do the right things. I’ll give my best to this organisation and look to score many goals to help us win games.”
Torres joins a Rapids side who are on a seven game unbeaten streak, and sit second in the Western Conference.
“Signing Gabriel Torres as our club’s first Designated Player is a historic moment, but it’s most exciting because he’s the right player to help this team win,” Head Coach Bravo said in a statement. “We’re excited for him to join the squad.”
COMMENTS