After signing Costa Rican international Ronald Matarrita to play left back on Wednesday, New York City FC added another fullback on Friday.
This time it was Argentinian defender Diego Martinez, who is a product of the famed River Plate academy.
“I am very excited to join New York City FC and am grateful for the opportunity the Club has given me,” said Martinez in a release. "I have played in Argentina for my whole career and I know that now is the right time for a new experience as I continue to progress as a player and a person.
“I’m looking forward to playing for a big club with big players. The team has already become very important within the sporting fabric of New York, so I am excited to get to work and meet my new teammates.”
Martinez, 23, made his professional first team debut in 2012 with River Plate and appeared in 13 matches for the first team over the course of the next year.
In 2013 he made 18 appearances on loan with Sarmiento (Junin) and 20 appearances on loan for Patronato de Parana in 2014.
“Diego is a young player, but has a good level of experience having played with the first team at River Plate," said sporting director Claudio Reyna. "He’s a quick strong defender that can attack as well as defend. In the last week we’ve added three young players to the roster which is really exciting for the future and development of this team.”
NYCFC now have nine defenders under contract for 2016 including four other fullbacks in Matarrita, RJ Allen, Connor Brandt and Andoni Iraola.
“I’m really pleased to add another young and talented player to our group. We are adding an energetic and hardworking player that will only continue to improve alongside the rest of our team,” said head coach Patrick Vieira. “I’m hoping Diego will be able to join the team during the first part of our pre-season training camp. Pre-season is an important moment for new signings to integrate into the squad and get to know their teammates better.”
