Inter Miami exec answers questions about Rodolfo Pizarro and who they might sign next
Mexican national team midfielder Rodolfo Pizarro got a warm Valentine’s Day welcome from his new Inter Miami teammates Friday morning, as he joined them at practice for the first time in Fort Lauderdale.
Easy to spot with his trademark dyed hair, he stepped into the pre-practice huddle, coach Diego Alonso introduced him, and Pizarro got a big cheer and high-fives. He jogged, did conditioning drills and will travel with the team to St. Petersburg for Saturday’s first public preseason match against the Philadelphia Union at Al Lang Stadium at 4 p.m.
Saturday happens to be his 26th birthday.
Pizzaro left Monterrey of the Mexican league to join Inter Miami after long, complicated contract negotiations. A big reason he came to Major League Soccer was to be reunited with Inter Miami coach Diego Alonso, for whom Pizarro played at Pachuca and Monterrey. His transfer fee was $12 million, according to transfermarkt.us.
“Pizarro arrived Thursday, had his medical (physical) and we are finishing contract talks with his agents,” said Inter Miami sporting director Paul McDonough.
What makes Rodolfo Pizarro special?
Asked why they pursued him and what he brings the team, McDonough smiled and said: “He’s a key part for [national team coach] Tata Martinez with Mexico. I spoke with him about him a lot. Diego obviously knows him really, really well. We think his flexibility to play any of the four spots up front, his work rate, his experience, his age. The fact that he’s won championships in a very, very difficult league in Mexico and he’s played against top European teams in the World Club Championships. It’s just something that really made sense for us to win now.”
Alonso and the players were eager to get Pizarro into camp.
“Diego was really, really happy, had a big smile on his face,” McDonough said. “Our players were really excited about it, waiting, watching in the media. They were kind of wondering when he was going to show up. It was really important for them, too, because they know what kind of player he is.”
Asked if Pizarro was the most expensive signing in MLS history, as some Mexican media reported, McDonough smiled and answered with an emphatic “No.”
The conversation with McDonough then turned to the remaining marquee player spot on the roster. Inter Miami has filled 28 of its 30 roster spots thus far, and has one Designated Player spot reserved for higher-priced players whose salaries exceed the team maximum. The club has been linked to dozens of well-known players over the past year.
Roger Martinez to Inter Miami?
Colombian national team forward Roger Martinez, who plays for America in Mexico, was one of those players. McDonough confirmed they were interested in him, but it didn’t work out.
“Roger Martinez is someone we spoke to Club America about,” he said. “It’s proved to be very difficult, no secret about that. If it is something that could’ve gotten done, Roger Martinez is someone that would have interested me to bring to the club. With his age [25] and price, that would have fit into my DP strategy.”
Inter Miami co-owners Jorge Mas and David Beckham said from start that the team would attract star players who had played in the world’s top leagues, Champions League and the World Cup. McDonough also has said the South Florida market would demand at least one star. So far, they haven’t signed a player of that stature.
Who will be Inter Miami’s last DP?
McDonough, who built Atlanta United without international star power, isn’t apologizing.
“I think Pizarro is a star,” he said. “Maybe not a global star, but in this region, he’s 25 years old, played for the Mexican national team. He’s won, and I would consider Pizarro a star.
“I understand we’re linked to a lot of players. But my stance has always been I’ll do what I think is right for the team to win. I’m not going to go sign a veteran player just to fill out a quota that he’s a global superstar. If that’s a player that can help us win and we can do it. If not, then it doesn’t make sense. We’re coming to win.”
McDonough said this team presents a unique challenge.
“With the city of Miami, with the ownership group we have, the ambition, a lot of players want to come here...we’re going through the process of finding out what’s legitimate, what’s not really achievable, because there are some prices that are just not achievable for MLS teams now,” he said. “The ownership group could do it if they wanted to, but I don’t think it’s responsible for us to open up a blank checkbook and write checks just because an experienced player wants it.
“I can go get a player that has a resale value that can help us win championships. I think that’s more responsible. If it is a veteran player that can help us win and the price is within reason, then that’s ok. We’ll explore that.”
He said they are shopping for “a 9 (forward) and a two-way midfielder”. They remain in active talks with players in Europe and South America. He said both open spots will be filled from outside the league
“I want to make sure the last two pieces are really the right fit for this team because I’m happy with where the team is,” McDonough said. “I want it to be done as soon as possible, but I want to make sure it’s the right fit for us. Our window is open until May 7. Whenever the timing is right for me to add that last piece, I want to be responsible with the owners’ money and I want to be responsible to the team because our expectation is to win.”