Philadelphia Union officially unveil Bedoya

The Philadelphia Union officially unveiled new Designated Player signing Alejandro Bedoya on Tuesday, with head coach Jim Curtin and sporting director Earnie Stewart presenting the U.S. international midfielder with the No. 11 shirt.

Bedoya, who signs with the club out of FC Nantes in France's Ligue 1, was not available for his side's 2-2 draw against D.C. United last weekend, but could make his debut in the Union's upcoming fixture against the New England Revolution on Aug. 13.

Speaking to reporters during his introductory news conference, Bedoya cited a desire to be closer to his family after becoming a father, having spent nine years in Europe.

But he affirmed that the Union organisation also sold him on a project, too.

"The first interest came a year ago; maybe I wasn't quite ready to come back but it was always in the back of my mind," Bedoya said of his move to Philadelphia. "I wanted to be able to be back in the States. I've always said that I would like to be a part of MLS and I thought Philly was probably for me, the best fit.

"Being able to be back and play with old friends and teammate like Mo (Maurice Edu) and Charlie (Davies) and stuff like that, it makes it a lot of fun. I'm really looking forward to this next challenge ... because it is going to be a challenge."