Portland, OR (Sports Network) - The Portland Timbers announced on Wednesday
that the club has signed French defender Mikael Silvestre after acquiring the
right of refusal for the veteran from Seattle Sounders FC.
Portland sent a first-round pick in the 2014 MLS Supplemental Draft and a
conditional 2015 draft pick to the Sounders for the former France
international, who has played at the highest levels of the game in Europe.
The 35-year-old spent most of his career with Manchester United, making 361
appearances for the English side in all competitions from 1999-2008.
He also spent a few seasons with Arsenal, and most recently played two years
in Germany with Werder Bremen, featuring in 27 Bundesliga games for the club.
"Mikael will bring a tremendous amount of experience and a presence on the
field and in the locker room," said Caleb Porter, Timbers head coach. "He is a
quality player on both sides of the ball and his impact will certainly go a
long way in helping to solidify our back line. Mikael made a very positive
impression on the players and our coaching staff during his two-week trial and
we are very excited to welcome him to the Timbers organization."
Silvestre earned 40 caps for the French national team and appeared in the 2006
World Cup.
The Sports Network