Puerto Rico FC Signs Veteran Midfielder Mario Martínez Rubio

Photo credit: AS.com

Puerto Rico FC announced the signing of veteran attacking midfielder Mario Martínez Rubio pending ITC clearance and Visa approval. The Spaniard played most recently for PGS Kissamikos of Greece, but has shined bright in the first divisions of Spain, Portugal, Colombia, and Bolivia.  

“We are very excited to have a player with the quality that Mario has," interim head coach Marco Vélez said. "He is a naturally gifted playmaker that will help the pace and creativity of the offense and will bring stability to our midfield.”

Martínez Rubio is a product of his hometown team CD Numancia in the city of Soria. He played eight years for the first team, including two separate stints in the Spanish first division. In the first match of the 2008-09 season, he scored the historic goal that gave the small club its first ever victory over the eventual champions FC Barcelona.

“We are not satisfied with where we are as a club on the field, which is why we have decided to bring in Mario to spark competition within the squad and turn things around," Puerto Rico President Tom Payne said. "We will not be complacent when the results are not there and we will expect a lot from Mario, not only because it is our final international roster spot but also because of the top-level experience he brings with him. We want him to raise the level of competition as well as professionalism.”

In 2015, Martínez Rubio had one of his best years as a professional for Bolivian side Blooming FC scoring five goals and tallying 13 assists. He will join his countrymen Jordi Quintillà, Ramón Soria, and Javier “Yuma” Monsálvez on the roster.