Things are looking positive as the days go by for Miami's hopes for an MLS team.In an Article printed for Diario de Las Americas Marcelo Claure, owner of Brightstar Communications and Bolivian Soccer club Bolivar, stated that with Barcelona's help he intends to bring a quality team to Miami and Major League Soccer. Claure said: "History has taught us that when the Marlins, the Heat and the Dolphins exhibit results the fans respond. This is our philosophy, to offer a show that will captivate the heart of the community and fill the stadium". Marcelo went on to add that he has never been one to conform himself with mediocrity and has pledged to develop an aggressive program that will put the best 11 players on the field. Claure, in association with Barcelona are looking forward to starting the team in 2010. "In reality our passion does not permit us from waiting any longer then 2010, The 14 owners of the other teams are enthusiastic about us joining and we have everything ready".
The agreement with Florida International University begins next year and confidence is high that the 21,000 seat stadium will be enough to satisfy the initial demand the team will bring.
As far as who the marquee players might be Claure added, "We don't want to raise false expectations, as of this moment we can't bring Lionel Messi nor Samuel Eto, but we can say that Carles Puyol or Thierry Henry could be the marquee player".
Barcelona would also have a major part concerning the direction of the team and Claure went on to say that current Barcelona FC coach Joseph Guardiola could assume responsibility over the Miami team in one way or another.
It's hard to deny that Miami looks to be the favorite among the candidate cities to be awarded an MLS franchise. The clock is ticking and everyone waits for the announcement.
