Attacking Midfielder Adrianinho Signs with Fort Lauderdale
January 3, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers today announced the new owner of the number 10 jersey as Brazilian attacking midfielder Adriano Manfred Laaber, known as Adrianinho, officially put pen to paper on a contract with the club. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"Adrianinho is exactly the type of player we want as our number 10," said Head Coach and General Manager Caio Zanardi. "He sees the game differently than most players and adds another dimension to our attack with his ability to create scoring chances."
Adrianinho, 35, joins with the Strikers from Brazilian Série A side Ponte Preta. The playmaking midfielder made more than 250 appearances in three separate spells with the historic club, scoring more than 30 goals.
Throughout his career, Adrianinho has been regarded for his creative abilities and penchant for scoring or assisting on set piece opportunities. Customary for a team's playmaker, Adrianinho will wear the number 10 jersey. The number was recently vacated by Gabriel, who is switching numbers as he transitions from midfield to defense in Zanardi's system.
Born in Brazil, Adrianinho is a dual citizen of Austria through his father. He received a call-up to the Austrian national team in 2003, though he never represented the country.
With the exception of a loan spell to Greek side OFI Crete in 2005, Adrianinho has spent his entire career in Brazil. In addition to Ponte Preta, Adrianinho had stints with powerhouses Flamengo and Corinthians.
Adrianinho is the 13th addition to the Strikers roster in just under a week's time. He will report to preseason training along with the rest of the squad on Monday, January 4.
Fort Lauderdale is gearing up for the Florida Cup, which kicks off on January 10, 2016. The Strikers face FC Schalke 04 in Orlando, and will face Santa Fe on January 17 in Boca Raton, Fla.
Lockhart Stadium will serve as the host of two Florida Cup games. The first is January 13 when Schalke squares off against Brazilian side Atlético Mineiro. One week later, January 20, Brazilian squads Fluminense and Internacional meet. Tickets are on sale now at Strikers.com/FloridaCup.
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North American Soccer League Stories from January 3, 2016
- Attacking Midfielder Adrianinho Signs with Fort Lauderdale - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
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