Benvenuto a Marco Di Vaio: Di Vaio is the Montreal Impact's first DP

After months of rumors that quickly became a fact pending an official signing, Marco Di Vaio is now part of history and MLS trivia for years to come. He has officially signed with the Montreal Impact as a Designated Player and joins an armada of Italian players tradition with the Montreal Impact. This is an exciting for the city, for the club, the organisation and the fans. Joey Saputo has never strayed away one inch from giving a winning product off and on the field and the fierce business man, loving family man and passionate soccer fan has delivered for his town, his team and his fans.

A conference will be held at today at 12:15 with Nick De Santis and the media will meet the player next Monday. Marco Di Vaio will join the team on June 16th, and will be officially roster- when the transfer window opens up on June 27th, making him eligible for the game against Toronto FC.

From the Italian striker himself, Marco Di Vaio

I am very proud to become a member of the Montreal Impact and to start this new phase of my career. I have accepted with great enthusiasm the challenge of joining an enticing championship like MLS. I am extremely eager to make the entire club proud, from the president to its supporters.

"From a personal standpoint, I had a good feeling from our very first meeting in Bologna with the Impact president and sporting director.They made my family and I feel good about this project in Montreal. It was not an easy choice to leave Bologna but I hope to be able to serve a similar role in Montreal, as I am prepared to give everything I have, including my experience and leadership for my coaches, my teammates and the organization.

Exclusive comment with Mount Royal Soccer from Marco Di Vaio's agent, Federico Pastorello as he comments on his client's signing with the Montreal Impact

I am very happy with that. Marco was really impatient to join MLS and he has been really touched by the enthusiasm of the Chairman [Joey Saputo]. I am sure that he will perform well and he will became the new idol for all Impact supporters. He renounced to many offers I had for him in Italy and also in Dubai, because he really wanted to come and play with Impact.

More after the jump

Joey Saputo , owner and president, about all the work to get Marco Di Vaio

Since his departure from Bologna and the announcement that the he was considering an offer from the Impact, we continued to work hard at getting him to join our club. I'd like to congratulate Nick De Santis for this successful negotiation. With all of the hard work and professionalism our club has shown over the years, we have signed today a player of the highest quality. We promised this city and the club's supporters a Designated Player, and we are pleased to have been able to keep that promise.

Sporting Director, Nick De Santis about the qualities of the man and his Impact

The addition of this experienced player will help the club move forward.His professionalism and his character will help the club grow. He was the catalyst behind Bologna's success over the last four seasons, helping the club stay in Serie A.

Jesse Marsch praises the attacking force that Marco Di Vaio is

We know he will bring a great element of attacking presence to our team.His nose for attacking plays and ability to score goals will make us a better team. We all look forward to him joining the group.

Update with Nick De Santis' press conference at Stade Saputo earlier today

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