The Argentinian will substitute Mexico’s captain Rafael Marquez, who left “La Fiera” to play for Hellas Verona

Having a tough start as defending champions, Club León has reached an agreement with Jonathan Bottinelli to join the club after Rafael Marquez’s departure towards Hellas Verona. The Argentinian, former River Plate player, arrives to “La Fiera” after spending the last six months with Chile’s Universidad Católica.

The defender spoke to a local newspaper, showing his knowledge of Liga MX and the challenge he is about to take:

“I know Marquez is gone. It’s nice to have a challenge like this one. I’ve been called up to replace a world-class defender, one of the best in his country, so I’m ready to take that challenge hoping I can make a difference for the team as he clearly did,” Bottinelli stated.

“My brother Darío played for Atlas years ago, and I have several friends that have played there, so I’m familiar with the playing style I might run into. I’m aware León are back-to-back champions right now, and they want to be competitive not only in Mexico, but also at the CONCACAF Champions League. I hope I can measure up to that,” the player concluded.

Bottinelli arrives as a free player, given his loan to Universidad Catolica ended last June. He has been training ever since with a personal physician, and will be arriving to Mexico once his work permits are liberated.