Inter Miami newcomer Federico Redondo has poise, pedigree to make immediate impact

“They are humble people who received me in the best way,” he said. Redondo will wear No. 55, an homage to his father’s No. 5, a number often worn by center backs and defensive midfielders. The Inter Miami No. 5 is taken by Busquets.

Redondo considers Busquets as a role model and is eager to learn from him.

“The hardest thing about futbol is finding the best option, when you are on the field you always have two or three options, and the best players are the ones who find the best options,” Redondo said. “Sergio is a great example of that.”

He said he is ready to step in if needed Thursday on the road against Nashville SC in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16.

Redondo will be coached by Tata Martino, a former teammate of his father’s. They played together for one season in Spain with Tenerife in 1991.

“From the moment the talks started with Inter Miami, my father told me that Tata is a great person and that helped me [make the decision],” Redondo said.

Redondo is an NBA fan, especially of former Argentine star Manu Ginobili, and said he will now start following the Miami Heat.

He had never been to Miami before signing with the team, and the only people he knows are Inter Miami teammates Farias and Tomas Aviles, whom he played with on Argentina’s U23 team. He said they have been helping him get adapted.

Jean Mota transferred to Vitoria

Inter Miami announced Tuesday it has transferred midfielder Jean Mota to Brazilian team Vitoria. Mota, 30, joined Inter Miami before the 2022 season and played 53 games for the club. He had three goals and seven assists.

Brazilian media reported that Vitoria paid Miami a $350,000 transfer fee. The move also opens up salary cap space for future deals. Mota’s 2023 salary was $828,750.

“We would like to thank Jean for his dedication and contributions throughout his time at Inter Miami and wish him well in this next step in his career as he returns home to Brazil,” said Inter Miami sporting director Chris Henderson. “This move gives us flexibility as we continue building our squad to compete for titles this season.”