The Chicago Fire Thursday announced that midfielder Cuauhtemoc Blanco will be loaned to Santos Laguna of the Mexican FMF Primera Division to play in the Apertura playoffs, effectively immediately.
The announcement from the Fire said that Blanco will rejoin the Fire for the 2009 MLS season, although there have been reports Blanco is considering returning to Mexico full time.
Blanco, 35, has played for the Fire for two seasons, scoring 11 goals with 18 assists in 41 games. He was a finalist for MLS Most Valuable Player honors in both years.
Prior to coming to MLS, he was a star in the Mexican league, playing for Necaxa, Club America and Veracruz. He also played two seasons in Spain's La Liga for Real Valladolid.
Earlier this year, Blanco retired from international soccer after making his 100th appearance for the Tricolores, in a 3-0 win against Jamaica on Sept. 6 in World Cup qualifying.
In a statement, Santos Laguna said Blanco will "bring ample experience and talent" toward their goal of defending the Mexican league championship won in June, the fourth in club history. The Guerreros take on San Luis in the first leg of their home-and-home quarterfinal series on Sunday.
Keirrison Ready For Europe
To Sack Schuster Would Be A Shame - Drenthe
Busch goes from backup to best
