By RYAN TOLMICH
Following the departure of forward Marco Di Vaio, the Montreal Impact are hot in pursuit of another high-profile Italian striker to replace him.
The Impact are reportedly looking to add Argentinian legend Juan Roman Riquelme and Italian striker Alberto Gilardino as Designated Players ahead of the 2015 season, though sources have confirmed to SBI that the Impact have made an offer for Gilardino and are not planning to sign Riquelme.
Gilardino, meanwhile, is currently playing in the Chinese Super League for Guangzhou Evergrande. The 32-year-old has earned 57 international caps for Italy and was a member of the 2006 Italian World Cup winning side.
Riquelme, who previously had talks with the club in 2013, most recently featured for Argentinos Juniors, although the 36-year-old midfielder is set to leave the club in the near future. In addition to earning 51 career caps for Argentina, Riquelme has previously suited up for Barcelona, Villareal and Boca Juniors throughout his 18-year career.
As things stand, the Impact currently have one Designated Player on the club’s roster in Argentinian midfielder Ignacio Piatti.
—
What do you think of the potential signings? How would the duo fit in with the Impact’s current squad?
Share your thoughts below.
I’d like to see the Impact sign Riquelme just for the comic value alone of seeing him mope around the field and slam MLS for being beneath his level. (Every team in the world is beneath Riquelme’s level). Would be a fantastic reality show. Riquelme in Retirement League.
Train wreck waiting to happen. Popcorn worthy.
Gilardino was TFC’s fallback plan if they didn’t land Defoe last year. Good signing. Riquelme, yes…in 2008.
I am not concerned over Riquelmes age. It is his attitude and work ethic. He is a lockerroom cancer. Especially in the U.S. and Canada where primadonas are far less tolerated than they are in Argentina or Europe. I would in a second take a 36 year old Pirlo, Xavi, or Iniesta, players of the highest caliber who are also great team members.
Exactly mind set not skill set are the issues with him or anyone coming over. They have skill, will they want to use it that’s the question.
Gilardino is 32. I wonder how old those who are harping on his age and throwing around “retirement” league/team comments are. 16? Do people not realize that all the top leagues in the world have players 32 and even older?
Or that everyone is freaking out over a 36 Frank Lampard. Age is only a number if you can still play ask Man City right now about Frank.
32 year old players in top euro leagues yes but when youre talking about riquelme whos been declining and gilardino in the chinese league, theres a difference.
Would you said the same of Drogba if he had come here? MLS as much as I like it isn’t the peak of soccer so yeah 36 Lampard or a 37 Droga would do well here if motivated. I think when it comes to the older signings it’s not the actual skill in them but the drive to use that skill everyday. That’s why Henry and Keene were great here they did and it showed.
dude, Gilardino had 15 goals in Serie A the season before he went to China. i think he’d be fine and good for 10-12 goals.
and to go a bit further, he’s only been in China this season. 6 goals in 17 apps.
also, it was 13 goals he scored for Bologna in ’12/13. he literally was the entire team. then he gets called back to Genoa for ’13/14 at the request of the club, and goes on to score another 16 goals, in all competitions, for them.
I think they heard the food is soft in Montreal, which will be easy on the dentures.
Montreal always burns out the 2nd half of the season and it’s easy to see why.
Old players = tired legs.
Riquelme is pretty much done. Anywhere he lands, he’ll come off the bench and since he doesn’t run for much of the match will be highly criticized by the local press. Riquelme can only exist in his current state in the Argentine league or lower divisions, places where he is truly appreciated. I agree with previous comment about MLS having proper scouts for the Argentine league. If they want marquee players they should poach them earlier like the european teams do and let them develop. There are several arguments to be made with that statement but at the end of all of those arguments, it holds true. Players like Milton Casco, Lucas Albertengo, Guido Carillo are where the focus should be. Not trying to resurrect players careers who are past their prime. Splash the cash on players who can really help develop the league.
“If they want marquee players they should poach them earlier like the european teams do and let them develop.”
Nobody comes to MLS to develop. At least nobody with high expectations. Especially from Argentina, known as one of the best, if not the best, at developing players.
Well I think they would come once we develop the infrastructure and, more importantly, if we are willing to pay!
Freddy Montero is a developmental success story
Gilardino scored 15 goals in Serie A last season before taking his talents to China so he likely still has something to offer. Would have loved to see Riquelme in MLS a few years ago but now I’m not sure how he’d hold up. Might still be interesting though.
Riquelme was a guy i would have wanted to sign during the Beckham era.. not now.
him along with forlan would have been awesome. but alas these guys are too old
gilardino on the other hand is not a bad signing.
I believe that it is good for MLS and Montreal. Obviously this screams “retirement league” once again, but who cares? People will also say this league is too physical for him, which might be true, but one thing MLS doesn’t have in abundance are creative players. Riquelme doesn’t run, but he still has very high soccer IQ.
Signing Requelme is a really dumb move. He will be a complete bust. Very prickly personality, he never gets along with his coaches, he does not like to practice, and he will have trouble with the physicality of the MLS. Does Montreal even have anyone who seriously scouts and understands Argentine soccer? Obviously not.
Nice to see the rooms at the local Montreal retirement home won’t be staying unoccupied.