It wasn’t too long ago that Federico Redondo found himself admiring players like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez from a distance. Now, he has a much closer view, sharing a locker room with them.
For the 21-year-old midfielder, Redondo, things are moving swiftly. Last month, he inked a four-year deal with Inter Miami. The son of Argentine national team stalwart Fernando Redondo, renowned for his time with Real Madrid and AC Milan, was officially introduced by his new club on Tuesday.
“It’s incredible,” Redondo remarked. “I grew up idolizing these players. Playing alongside them is a dream come true.”
Inter Miami sees both immediate and future advantages in signing Redondo. Initially brought in as a replacement for the injured Facundo Farias, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL in a preseason match in January, Redondo also represents an investment in youth for a squad primarily composed of players in their mid-30s.
With the oldest member of Inter Miami’s core, Jordi Alba, turning 35 later this month, the club aims to bolster its roster with promising young talent.
“We have faith in his potential,” noted Chris Henderson, Inter Miami’s sporting director and chief soccer officer, upon Redondo’s signing. Adapting to a locker room brimming with stars won’t be daunting for Redondo, having been exposed to elite players his entire life.
His father was named UEFA’s Club Footballer of the Year for the 1999-2000 season. Messi clinched that accolade in 2008-09, later securing it twice more under the rebranded title of UEFA Men’s Player of the Year.
Another recipient of the club footballer award was David Beckham, a member of Inter Miami’s ownership group, who earned the honor in 1998-99, the season preceding Fernando Redondo’s victory.
“For me, it’s truly an honor,” expressed Federico Redondo, embracing his family’s soccer heritage. “I know my dad was one of the best in his position. Our discussions about matches are immensely beneficial, as he imparts invaluable knowledge to me.”
Redondo has set ambitious objectives for the season. He aspires to represent Argentina at the Paris Olympics, a possibility within reach. Moreover, he acknowledges Inter Miami’s lofty aspirations of clinching multiple titles this year, including the coveted MLS Cup.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this journey,” he affirmed.
