Portland, OR – The Portland Timbers announced on Wednesday that the club has signed French defender Mikael Silvestre after acquiring the right of refusal for the veteran from Seattle Sounders FC.
Portland sent a first-round pick in the 2014 MLS Supplemental Draft and a conditional 2015 draft pick to the Sounders for the former France international, who has played at the highest levels of the game in Europe.
The 35-year-old spent most of his career with Manchester United, making 361 appearances for the English side in all competitions from 1999-2008.
He also spent a few seasons with Arsenal, and most recently played two years in Germany with Werder Bremen, featuring in 27 Bundesliga games for the club.
"Mikael will bring a tremendous amount of experience and a presence on the field and in the locker room," said Caleb Porter, Timbers head coach. "He is a quality player on both sides of the ball and his impact will certainly go a long way in helping to solidify our back line. Mikael made a very positive impression on the players and our coaching staff during his two-week trial and we are very excited to welcome him to the Timbers organization."
Silvestre earned 40 caps for the French national team and appeared in the 2006 World Cup.
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