Posted on August 13, 2012
Chicago Fire midfielder Marco Pappa is going Dutch.
Pappa has signed a pre-contract with Dutch Eredivisie side SC Heerenveen and will join the club when the transfer window opens on Jan. 1, the Major League Soccer club announced on Monday.
The Fire will retain the Guatemalan international midfielder’s rights.
“I’m very excited about taking the next step in my career and signing with SC Heerenveen. My focus is with the Fire and working hard to secure a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs,” Pappa said before he joined the Guatemala National Team in Washington, D.C. “The Fire gave me a great opportunity in 2008 and I am thankful to Fire owner Andrew Hauptman and Frank Klopas for the support and encouragement they have offered the past four years. I plan to do the club proud and put everything I have into the remaining matches with the Fire.”
Fire president of soccer operations Javier Leon wished Pappa well.
“Marco is a great player and has been a big part of the club for the last four years,” he said. ” Marco is a true professional and has really developed as a player while with the Fire. We understand Marco’s desire to play in Europe and fully support his move to Holland. It was key for us to keep Marco through the end of the season as we push for a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs. We are grateful for his contributions to the club and believe Marco will represent the Fire well in Europe.”
The 24-year-old Pappa joined the Fire on loan from CSD Municipal on July 30, 2008 and was signed on Dec. 3, 2009. The Guatemala City native has started 100 of the 110 MLS regular season games in which he appeared for the Fire, recording 26 goals and 14 assists. He is tied for fourth in the club’s all-time goal scoring chart.
Photo: Marco Pappa will finish the MLS season with the Chicago Fire before going to the Netherlands. Wade Jackson
Categories: Central America, Guatemala
Tags: Chicago Fire, Javier Leon, Major League Soccer, Marco Pappa, SC Heerenveen
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