Inter Miami has signed former Juventus superstar Gonzalo Higuain.
Higuain has become the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer, reportedly set to earn up to $7 million per year, and the third Inter Miami designated player.
Miami has today completed the signing, which will see Higuain link up with former Juventus teammate Blaise Matuidi.
The former Argentina international travelled to Miami last week after agreeing to terminate his contract with Juventus, and he was later pictured at the airport with Inter part-owner Jorge Mas.
Fans have been forced to wait for confirmation of the deal, but it has now arrived and Higuain is indeed an Inter Miami player with confirmation he will wear the number nine jersey.
“We are pleased to close a deal with Gonzalo and add an experienced and successful goalscorer, who has excelled in the world’s best teams and leagues,” said sporting director Paul McDonough
“Our ownership group has always said our goal is to not only bring elite players to Inter Miami, but also good people that share our ambition and aspiration of making history in North American fútbol, and we’re confident we have found that in Gonzalo.”
Speaking about the move himself, Higuain added: “First of all, I want to thank Inter Miami for the effort it has made to sign me. I think it will be a beautiful experience in my life. It’s what I was looking for – a new experience, a new league and a beautiful city. I’m really happy to be here and that it’s official.
Without further ado…
Welcome to Inter Miami, Gonzalo Higuaín! pic.twitter.com/tZ8uPkbqeq
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 18, 2020
“My goal is to try to transmit all the experience I acquired in Europe and to help the team grow.”
He added: “I feel good, I feel whole as a player. I’m motivated to try a new league and help the team grow.
“Individually, my goal is to demonstrate that I can contribute and continue playing great fútbol here, and I hope I can achieve that because I have all the tools necessary to succeed. Inter Miami is a team in construction but there is already a good base to reach important goals.”
The move could be huge for Miami as it looks to strengthen its attack following an underwhelming start.
Diego Alonso’s men have only managed nine goals in 11 games with Robbie Robinson and Julian Carranza sharing the mantle in the striker role.
That position will now likely be taken up by 32-year-old Higuain, who brings with him a wealth of experience at the top level.
The Argentine scored 107 goals in 190 league appearances for Real Madrid, 70 in 104 for Napoli, and 48 in 105 for Juventus, also spending time at River Plate, AC Milan and Chelsea.
A warm welcome to Gonzalo Higuain, a world class striker and champion.
@G_Higuain pic.twitter.com/29wT86aA2J— Jorge Mas (@Jorge__Mas) September 11, 2020
During his club career so far, Higuain has won six league titles, including three in La Liga with Real Madrid and three in Serie A for Juventus.
Internationally, he was a World Cup runner-up in 2014 and a two-time Copa America runner-up, scoring 31 times in 75 appearances for Argentina.
He now embarks on a new adventure in MLS with Miami, likely starting as part of a front three between Matias Pellegrini and Lewis Morgan with playmaker Rodolfo Pizarro just behind.
Higuain is already training with his new teammates and is expected to be up to speed within the next week-and-a-half.
