Phoenix Rising FC has signed forward Manuel Arteaga, pending league and federation approval, the club announced today.
“Manuel is a striker that can score but also combines well with the guys around him,” said Phoenix Rising head coach Juan Guerra. “He knows how to get on the end of crosses. He is comfortable playing as a No. 9. He is a hard working forward that understands tactically how we want to press and how we want to attack.”
Arteaga began his career as a 16-year-old with Zulia in 2010. In five seasons in the Venezuelan first division, Arteaga scored 38 goals in 79 appearances. His final season at Zulia was his best. Arteaga scored 17 goals in 21 appearances, before playing for Croatian, Bolivian and Belgian first division sides between 2015 and 2017. In that time, Arteaga scored two goals in 19 appearances. He returned to the Venezuelan first division in 2017, scoring 27 goals in 62 matches for Deportivo La Guaira and Zamora.
“Phoenix is one of the most important clubs in the league,” said Arteaga. “I am very excited to be able to live this experience. People have told me good things about Arizona. That Arizona is beautiful. Honestly, I am delighted and happy to be a part of Phoenix Rising. I am a hard worker. I hope to be able to help the team by giving my all each game. I am grateful for this opportunity.”
Arteaga signed with USL Championship side Indy Eleven in 2021, leading the club in goals that season with 10 in 32 appearances. The forward netted another five goals and three assists this season. Arteaga was capped three times by the Venezuelan National Team in 2011.
Transaction: Rising acquires Manuel Arteaga
Name: Manuel Arteaga
Position: Forward
Height: 6-1
Weight: 160
DOB: June 17, 1994
Birthplace: Maracaibo, Venezuela
Previous club: Indy Eleven
Pronunciation: are-tee-AH-ga
Instagram: @ManuelArteaga7
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