Monteiro first to wear No. 35 for Philadelphia Union

Jamiro Monteiro will be the first player to wear No. 35 for the Philadelphia Union.

The Dutch-born Cape Verde international midfielder arrived in Chester on Tuesday and had his first training session with his new teammates on Wednesday. The midfielder who has made only two appearances with FC Metz in France’s Ligue 2 this season is still awaiting international paperwork to clear before he can become available for selection.

Sporting Director Ernst Tanner said he expects the 25-year-old to be ready to play at the latest in time for the Union’s next home game against Columbus Crew on March 23.

Monteiro has worn No. 35 at two stops in his career, most recently for Heracles Amelo in the Eredevisie in 2017-18 and for second division Dutch club SC Cambuur in 2015-16.

While he’ll be the first to wear 35 for the blue and gold, Monteiro will be the third in the organization to wear the number. Derrick Jones wore 35 for the Bethlehem Steel in their inaugural season in 2016 and Faris has worn the number since signing with Steel last season.