Commerce City, Colo. - Three red-eye flights brought the Colorado Rapids into Denver International Airport on Monday morning from faraway places. The group that was Hawaii arrived after connections in San Francisco and Los Angeles, followed closely by newly signed Argentinian playmaker Martin Rivero, who flew in from Buenos Aires, Argentina with a stop in Houston.
"The flight was a little tiring, but I'm really very happy to be finally be here," Rivero told ColoradoRapids.com from Dick's Sporting Goods Park. "I'm anxious to begin training with the team."
The 22-year-old Rivero was signed by the Rapids on February 16 with an eye towards bringing an offensive piece to the current roster.
WATCH: Rivero llego a Colorado
"I consider myself a playmaker," Rivero said. "Someone who manages the ball. I'm going to try to give my all to the team so that everythings comes out well."
The process of getting his passport back with his visa took longer than anticipated, which in turn prevented Rivero from meeting the team in Hawaii. He is well aware of the League and the history of players from Argentina that have played in MLS.
"It's a league that is growing a lot," he said. "It's very competitive, and that was something that helped influenced me to come to Colorado."
Where as some high-profiel Argentinian players have joined the league in the 30s, Rivero knows he has an opportunity to make his mark at a younger age.
"I think about it," he said. "And it's good so I can continue to grow as a player. I'm accepting this as a very good experience for me. I'm going try to give my best always, and help this team win important matches."
The success of countrymen such as Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Christian Gomez, and Claudio Lopez - who each won an MLS Cup title - in addition to Seattle midfielder Mauro Rosales, is motivating for the former Rosario Central midfielder.
"It is very motivating," Rivero said. "Because, being from Argentina, I know the quality of players that they are. It motivates me a lot because I'm a young player and at my former club I was going through my best moments. Now I'm going to try to keep doing that here."
Rivero will go through the standard player physicals and medical exams Tuesday and is expected to join his new teammates for the first training session of the week on Wednesday.
