Jul 16 Antonio Ribeiro Back With Impact

Talk about déjà vu all over again. Less than a day after the Impact  announced the return of forward Ali Gerba, they announced today the signing of popular Quebec native and also former Impact midfielder Antonio Ribeiro, for the 2010 and 2011 seasons, pending the league’s approval.

Ribeiro, 29, is back with the Impact after having played eight seasons with the club including 2000, 2001 and  2003 to 2008. While he was not a prolific scorer ( 10 goals and nine assists in 119 games) he was a pillar in the midfield and a crowd favourite during his years in Montreal. Fans, especially the team’s booster club, openly chastised and criticized the team for having let Ribeiro go at the end of the 2008 season.

In 2009 season Ribeiro played for the San Jose Earthquakes in the MLS, but only played in seven games during the season. Both he and Impact technical director, Nick De Santis appear to be very happy with the reunion.

"Antonio will bring depth and a presence to the team at midfield,”  said De Santis. “He is coming back to Montreal after having gained a year of experience in the MLS, which has been very beneficial. Knowing what a player like Antonio can bring to this team we have always kept the door open in the event that he would return.”

Ribeiro had a few “feel good words for the Montreal faithful as well: “I am very happy to be coming back to Montreal. I am glad to have experienced the MLS but my club will always be the Impact. I have always had a passion for this team and I will do all in my power to help the Impact win.”  While you wouldn’t expect any other type of quote, you have to feel Ribeiro’s is sincere as he is a home-grown talent that grew up in the St-Michel area and he’s got to appreciate the fact that this is not only  a homecoming, but an opportunity to help a defending championship team that is in the midst of finding itself.

Ribeiro will not be available for Sunday’s game against Baltimore but could be in the line-up to play on Wednesday July 21 against AC St. Louis at Saputo Stadium.

Tags: midfielder \ Ali Gerba \ Antonio Ribeiro \ Montreal Impact \ NASL \ signed \ soccer \ USSF