New York City FC signs Federico Bravo on loan from Boca Juniors

New York City FC has announced the signing of defensive midfielder Federico Bravo from Boca Juniors on loan until the end of the 2016 MLS season.

Bravo, 22, was unveiled by the club Saturday, and the Argentinian appears overjoyed to make the temporary switch to the North American top flight.

"This league is growing rapidly and is an exciting place to play," Bravo told NYCFC.com. "My position is defensive midfield, but I can also play in central defense. I will give 100 percent on every play and support the team wherever necessary."

"This is a great club to be part of, I can feel that already. I joined up with the group a few days ago and everyone is focused, working hard, and looking forward to the start of the season. We hope to have a good year."

Bravo was presented at the club's winter training alongside manager Patrick Vieira and sporting director Claudio Reyna, with the latter conceding that the deep-lying midfielder will help a backline that allowed an Eastern Conference joint-worst 58 goals last year.

"Federico is a good passing defensive midfielder who can shield the back four. He’s played over 35 first team games for Boca Juniors in a very competitive league. We’re getting a player with good experience that can provide depth and qualities we need."

Piggybacking Reyna's remarks, Vieira also offered his opinion of the loan move, saying, "He’s already fitted well into the group and trained with the players for the first time yesterday. He is fit and ready to play."

New York City FC kicks off its second top-flight campaign with a March 6 visit to last year's Eastern Conference bottom dwellers, Chicago Fire.