Montreal Impact Sign Center-Back Rod Fanni on a Short-Term Deal

Rod Fanni with Charlton Athletic. Photo by TGSPhoto/REX/Shutterstock

After their starting center back Zakaria Diallo tore his Achilles tendon last week, MLS side Montreal Impact reacted swiftly and signed France international Rod Fanni. Fanni, who was a free agent after being released by Olympique de Marseille, signed a deal until June 30, 2018. In case the 36-year-old performs at a high level, Impact can extend the deal until the end of 2018 MLS season.

His arrival will allow us to fill the gap left by Zakaria Diallo’s injury,” – said Impact head coach Rémi Garde. “Rod will strengthen our defensive corps while bringing his extensive experience to the group. I appreciated his swiftness in positively answering our request and his desire to take part in our project as soon as he was released from his contract with Marseille. I am certain that his contribution will be important for our upcoming games.

Rod Fanni spent most of his career in France, where he played for clubs like Nice, Rennes, and Marseille. After short spells in Qatar and England, he returned to Marseille in 2016. After failing to make an appearance in the first half of 2017-18, the team terminated his contract in January 2018.

If I’m here right now, it’s largely thanks to Mister Garde,” – said Fanni upon joining Impact. “We spent years in the same league, so we know each other quite well already. Our first contact was way before the unfortunate injury to Zakaria Diallo. I was already motivated to come here, and the club wanted me to join the Impact as well. I hope to give my best and use my experience to help this project moving forward.

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