Inter Miami CF Signs Defender Ryan Shawcross

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Inter Miami CF announced on Saturday the signing of English defender Ryan Shawcross.

Shawcross comes to Miami after 14 years with Stoke City FC in the English Premier League, where he had been team captain since 2010.

The team said Shawcross will occupy an international roster slot, pending a physical, receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.

"Ryan fits the Inter Miami DNA because of his experience and his longevity at a club. He's going to be able to come here and be a leader, not only on the field, but his leadership will be seen with the young players and players coming through. He's physically dominant, his feet are good, his range of passing is good and we think he's going to be a great addition to our backline," said Chris Henderson, Inter Miami CF Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director.

"Adding another central defender was important for our group and we want to create competition at every position. That's the goal, to be able to go out everyday and the players are fighting for their spot. That will help the team as a whole. That's Phil's vision to have competition."

"Ryan is going to be able to come here and be a leader"

Hear from #InterMiamiCF Chief Soccer Officer @19Hendy19 and head coach Phil Neville (@Fizzer181) on why Shawcross is an exciting addition that can carry out a key role in our second season ????https://t.co/6DBiQK9gdr

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) February 20, 2021

Inter Miami CF said Shawcross, 33, made over 400 appearances in his career with Stoke City, placing him in the top 10 in all-time appearances for the club. In total, he scored 25 goals and tallied 16 assists for the team.

Shawcross began his career at Manchester United where he progressed through the youth ranks before making his professional debut. He appeared in two EFL Cup matches with the Red Devils.

More about the defender:
Name: Ryan Shawcross
Position: Center back
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 165 lbs
Born: 10/4/1987
Age: 33
Birthplace: Chester, England
Hometown: Buckley, Wales
Nationality: England