Pacific FC announced Tuesday the club has signed Canadian men’s national team veteran Marcel De Jong to a full contract ahead of the inaugural Canadian Premier League season.

The 32-year-old versatile fullback, who can also step into midfield, has spent the previous three years with Vancouver Whitecaps. following stops at Sporting Kansas City and the Ottawa Fury. De Jong’s professional career includes 250 appearances with top tier clubs in Europe and North America.

“I’m coming to Pacific FC to be successful, achieve my goals and win,” De Jong said. “I’m still hungry and fit, and I have the drive to be a leader and role model for the younger players.”

A commanding and exciting player to watch, De Jong has earned 56 senior caps for Canada’s men’s national team.  Born in Newmarket, Ont., De Jong holds dual citizenship with Canada and the Netherlands.

De Jong joined West Coast outfit Whitecaps FC in 2016 and gained notoriety during his previous three MLS seasons as a left fullback. His professional career includes stints in the Netherlands with Helmond Sport and Roda JC, where he played for four years, and later in Germany for FC Augsburg.

“Marcel’s qualities speak for themselves, he is one of the best left backs in Canada and we are excited he has agreed to join our club,” said Michael Silberbauer, Head Coach, Pacific Football Club. “Marcel is a true professional and his experience and leadership will help move other players forward as well.

De Jong joins 10 other players who have been named to Pacific FC’s roster, including Marcus Haber, Kadin Chung, Mark Village, Ben Fisk, Victor Blasco, José Hernandez, Matthew Baldisimo, Terran Campbell, Noah Verhoeven and Alessandro Hojabrpour.