Riccardo Silva, Paolo Maldini launch Miami FC as NASL's 12th club

Welcome to the North American Soccer League, Miami FC!

A product of international entrepreneur Riccardo Silva and Italian football icon Paolo Maldini, Miami FC was officially launched as NASL's 12th club on Wednesday and will be co-owned by the duo as they prepare to begin play in 2016.

Where exactly Miami FC plays their home games remains to be seen, but the club claims it will be at "one of the existing world-class stadiums of Miami."

Maldini, who is recognised as one of Italian football's greatest products and one of the top defenders in the history of the beautiful game, represented Italy's national team at the World Cup on four occasions and featured for AC Milan throughout his entire 25-year club career, winning two European Cup titles and three Champions League titles.

As a result, the launching of Miami FC is obviously making headlines in Italy.

"I'm proud and excited to be part of this venture," Maldini said.

"I strongly believe in the growth of soccer in the USA, and this is the perfect project to develop a top-class soccer team in one of the most important cities in the world. We are glad not only to bring a professional soccer team to Miami, but also to support all of its communities through our social responsibility commitment.

"We believe that the fast-growing NASL will be the perfect platform to develop a successful team and a valuable business. Miami has been my second home for 15 years, so I look forward to spending more and more time here as Co-owner of Miami FC, giving my enthusiastic contribution for its success."

It's also worth noting that Maldini's rivalry with Ronaldo is set to be renewed in the nascent South Florida derby, as the Brazilian football god is a part-owner of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.