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NYCFC signs Finnish midfielder Alexander Ring

LEHTIKUVA / Reuters

New York City FC announced Wednesday the signing of Finland international Alexander Ring, with the club using Targeted Allocation Money to acquire the 25-year-old midfielder out of German outfit Kaiserslautern.

Ring joins NYCFC having earned more than 40 caps for the Finnish national team and is expected to slot into midfield alongside Andrea Pirlo and Tommy McNamara in the core of Patrick Vieira's side.

He's ready to face the challenges that come with Major League Soccer, too.

"As soon as I heard of the interest I was intrigued because I know how big the club is and how well-supported the team is," Ring told NYCFC's official website. "It took a long time to get it done but as soon as I knew about the New York option it was clear for me that I wanted to do it. I had to fight for it hard but I'm so happy.

"I've been watching the MLS games they show in Germany on Eurosport and I've learned it’s a very physical league and maybe an underestimated one.

"I want to leave my mark - I think when the people get to know me they will see I'm a winner and always give 110 percent and fight to win."

Ring brings plenty of experience at club level, having played for teams like Kaiserslautern, Borussia Monchengladbach, and HJK Helsinki. Vieira said he's pleased at having signed a player "entering his peak years who has played at a high level over a number of seasons."

"He's a midfielder who can contribute on both sides of the game, both defensively and offensively, and he gives us another great option either at the base of midfield or box-to-box," Vieira explained.

"Alexander has a good engine and is a competitive player which should suit Major League Soccer.

"He had a real desire to play for this club and be a part of the project at New York City, so we're really happy to have him on board for 2017 and look forward to him arriving to train with us."

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