FOXBOROUGH, Mass. \u2013 Attempting to bolster their still struggling attack, the New England Revolution today announced the signing of French-born Moroccan striker Monsef Zerka. Zerka will be officially added to the Revolution\u2019s roster pending P1 Visa approval.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are looking forward to Monsef\u2019s arrival,\u201d said Revolution Vice President of Player Personnel Mike Burns. \u201cHe is an experienced player who will provide us with another attacking option.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zerka most recently played for Iraklis Thessaloniki F.C. in the Greek Superleague, having joined the club in January. Iraklis, Greece\u2019s oldest club, was relegated after the 2010-11 season for having unpaid debt despite finishing 10th in the 16 team league. Zerka did not score a goal in nine appearances for the club, but did register an assist.<\/p>\n
Prior to playing in Greece, Zerka spent his entire career in France. Zerka came up through the youth system of French Ligue 1 side AS Nancy and made 173 appearances for the club, tallying 17 goals. He then joined FC Nantes of French Ligue 2 in 2009, making 35 appearances and scoring two goals before making the move to Iraklis.<\/p>\n
Zerka had signed with Iraklis through 2012, but joined the Revolution on a free transfer, possibly allowed to leave Iraklis after their forced relegation.<\/p>\n
He has also appeared 12 times for the Moroccan National Team and has three international goals.<\/p>\n
Zerka, born in Orleans, France, is listed as 5\u20199\u201d by the Revolution, but is also listed as 6\u20190\u201d on other sources. Though primarily a forward, Zerka has seen time in the midfield and defense throughout his career.<\/p>\n
Below is a clip of one of Zerka\u2019s goals while at Nancy:<\/p>\n