York9 FC announced another international addition to its 2020 squad on Monday, revealing it has signed Spanish attacker Álvaro Rivero. A York9 official also confirmed to CanPL.ca that the club has parted ways with Brazilian forward Jacó by mutual consent.
A 23-year-old striker from Madrid, Rivero played most recently for CD Leganés B in the Tercera Division, Spain’s fourth tier. Prior to that, he had stints in the reserve sides of Getafe CF and Rayo Vallecano, as well as for Las Palmas Atlético, between the third and fourth divisions in Spain.
Rivero’s time in youth football was spent entirely in Real Madrid’s academy, whom he represented from the under-9 level to the under-19s before leaving in 2016. He was a key part of the Real Madrid side that competed at the 2015 UEFA Youth League, on one occasion captaining Los Blancos and scoring twice in a win over Malmö FF.
The five-foot-seven striker lined up alongside some very talented players in his time at Real Madrid, including Inter Milan fullback Achraf Hakimi, Real Madrid midfielder Óscar Rodríguez, and Luca Zidane (son of Real Madrid manager Zinedine).
Rivero signed with Y9 after being identified by the CPL’s centralized scouting system of young internationals (age 23 and under), which is run by the league’s soccer operations department and the 21st Club, a world class data and analytics group with offices in London, San Francisco and Singapore.
Delighted to announce my official signing for @york9fc and thankful with the club for giving me the opportunity to compete in @cplsoccer. I am eager to start doing what I love and restore the confidence they have given me with goals. Let's go! @york9fc ???⚪️ pic.twitter.com/8nR94nCDIT
— alvarorivero9 (@alvarorivero91) July 27, 2020
“We had discussions with Álvaro back in January, but he decided to see out the current season in Spain,” York9 managing consultant Angus McNab said.
“I knew it was just a short-term agreement that he had signed, so he never really came off our board. When Adrián (Ugarriza) was released, we picked up the conversation and the opportunity is a good fit for everyone.
“It has come together quite quickly, and we now have another versatile forward who adds to the depth of the squad.”
York9 FC also confirmed that Rivero arrived in Canada safely on Sunday and had his work permit approved, and he will be undergoing a 14-day quarantine before joining his new teammates in training.
After signing with York9 in March, Jacó won’t be able to join the club this year after coming to a mutual agreement with the CPL outfit over his release. His departure frees up a roster spot for the Nine Stripes to add Rivero.
Rivero also fills the international slot previously vacated by Jacó. York9 has maintained a full roster of 23 players, with six internationals.