Strikers Sign Brazilian Midfielder Adrianinho

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers announced Sunday the new owner of the number 10 jersey as Brazilian attacking midfielder Adriano Manfred Laaber, known as Adrianinho, officially put pen to paper on a contract with the club. 

“Adrianinho is exactly the type of player we want as our number 10,” Strikers head coach and GM Caio Zanardi said. “He sees the game differently than most players and adds another dimension to our attack with his ability to create scoring chances.”

Adrianinho, 35, joins with the Strikers from Brazilian Série A side Ponte Preta. The playmaking midfielder made more than 250 appearances in three separate spells with the historic club, scoring more than 30 goals.

Throughout his career, Adrianinho has been regarded for his creative abilities and penchant for scoring or assisting on set-piece opportunities. Customary for a team’s playmaker, Adrianinho will wear the number 10 jersey. The number was recently vacated by Gabriel, who is switching numbers as he transitions from midfield to defense in Zanardi’s system.

Born in Brazil, Adrianinho is a dual citizen of Austria through his father. He received a call-up to the Austrian national team in 2003, though he never represented the country.

With the exception of a loan spell to Greek side OFI Crete in 2005, Adrianinho has spent his entire career in Brazil. In addition to Ponte Preta, Adrianinho had stints with powerhouses Flamengo and Corinthians.