QUOTES | Commissioner Peterson, Team Owners On The Addition Of Puerto Rico FC
Photo Credit: Joe Colon Studio
The NASL announced its newest club on Thursday, introducing NBA star and entrepreneur Carmelo Anthony as the new owner of Puerto Rico FC.
As the league’s 13th club, Puerto Rico FC will begin play in the 2016 NASL Fall Season, and will play its home matches at the island’s marquee soccer venue, Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium. The club joins the NASL just three weeks after the announcement of Miami FC, which will be led by international entrepreneur Riccardo Silva and Italian soccer legend Paolo Maldini.
Anthony, an eight-time NBA All-Star who currently plays for the New York Knicks, is of Puerto Rican descent, and for years he has been hosting charity events and giving back to various Puerto Rican communities through work with his foundation. With Puerto Rico FC, he now combines his passion for the island with his growing interest in soccer.
In conjunction with an official press release distributed by the league this afternoon, below is a collection of quotes from NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson, as well as three other league owners, on Puerto Rico FC:
NASL COMMISSIONER BILL PETERSON
"The NASL is honored to return to Puerto Rico, where the passion for soccer is extraordinary. The addition of Puerto Rico FC is another exciting step for the league, and the club will play a key role in the growth of the game not only on the island, but also across the Caribbean and North American regions."
"With Carmelo Anthony leading the charge, Puerto Rico FC has an owner who is very passionate about the great people of the island and the sport of soccer. He is an extremely talented and focused businessman who sees the many opportunities that will be developed through the club. Puerto Rico FC will be a very special club, and we're proud to have them in the NASL."
NEW YORK COSMOS CHAIRMAN SEAMUS O’BRIEN
"The Cosmos are delighted to welcome Carmelo Anthony, our fellow New Yorker, to the NASL. As well as being a renowned NBA superstar, Carmelo is a passionate soccer fan and a savvy investor - the perfect slam dunk for an NASL team owner. Combined with his close ties to the island, we have no doubt Puerto Rico FC will be a huge success, and we look forward to kicking off a great rivalry with them on the field.”
INDY ELEVEN OWNER ERSAL OZDEMIR
"The addition of Puerto Rico FC is another exciting step forward for the North American Soccer League. Carmelo Anthony brings with him a great passion for the sport and ideas that will help grow the league. Indy Eleven and our fellow teams welcome Puerto Rico FC and look forward to its debut in 2016."
FORT LAUDERDALE STRIKERS MANAGING PARTNER RICARDO GEROMEL
“It is a pleasure and an honor to welcome Carmelo Anthony and Puerto Rico FC to the NASL family. I have no doubt that he will build a team with very high technical and performance standards, and will also help further the global recognition of the NASL.”
