The Fire’s ninth signing of the offseason was a part of his previous club’s recent success. But in Chicago, Guilherme “Guly” do Prado will likely be nothing more than a bit player.
The Fire on Tuesday announced the signing of the 33-year-old Brazilian forward who last played for Southampton of the English Premier League. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed for do Prado, who scored 23 goals in 118 games with the Saints.
do Prado was released by Southampton in May after spending four seasons with the team. During that time, he helped the Saints to consecutive promotions, bringing them from England’s third division to the EPL to start the 2012-13 season.
“I’m really excited to join the Fire,” do Prado said in a news release. “After playing at the top level in the United Kingdom, I wanted to make the right decision for the next chapter of my career. After meeting with head coach Frank Yallop, I feel this is a good move and I’m looking forward to joining the club and showing the Fire fans what I’m about.”
In September 2012, do Prado admitted to “drink driving” and was reportedly fined £2,500 – about $3,800 – after being arrested that August. According to a report by England’s Daily Mirror, do Prado “was stopped in the early hours after police officers noticed a Porsche being driven erratically through the (Southampton) city centre” and was released on bail. Another report posted on the website of the BBC said do Prado had “57 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath” when the legal limit was 35.
Per a Fire spokesperson, the club was aware of the incident and discussed it with do Prado and his agent before agreeing to a contract.
When he joins the Fire, do Prado is expected to be used off the bench. Already this offseason, the Fire have added Designated Players David Accam and Kennedy Igboananike to the attack, while former MVP Mike Magee and 2014 leading scorer Quincy Amarikwa are expected to return from last season.
do Prado will also bring experience. His professional career started in 2002 and has taken him from Brazil to Italy to England and now to Major League Soccer.
“Guly is a versatile, attacking player,” Yallop said in a news release. “I’m pleased to add someone with his experience to strengthen our corps of attack-minded players.”
The Fire report for training camp on Jan. 25.
