Harrison, NJ (Sports Network) - Red Bull New York announced on Monday that the
club has signed Brazilian midfielder Juninho, who will be officially added to
the team's roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer
Certificate.
The 37-year-old joins New York from Brazilian First Division side Vasco da
Gama, where he netted 14 goals in 50 games over the past two seasons.
Prior to arriving at Vasco, Juninho spent one season in Qatar with Al-Gharafa
and helped the club win the league title while earning Player of the Year
honors.
"Juninho is a world class player who our global sporting director, Gerard
Houllier, and I have known and admired for many years," said Red Bulls
sporting director Andy Roxburgh. "Aside from being a top dead ball specialist
and a tremendous talent, Juninho is a fantastic professional both on and off
the field. He is in great physical shape and we think he can make a positive
impact for us in 2013."
The former Brazil international is best known for his time in France with Lyon
from 2001-09 as helped the club capture seven successive Ligue 1 titles and
tallied 100 goals in 344 games.
On the international level, Juninho earned 47 caps for Brazil and scored seven
goals.
He was a member of Brazil's 2006 World Cup team before retiring from the
international game after the tournament.
The Sports Network