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Vancouver Whitecaps sign Montero after release from Sporting Lisbon

Fredy Montero has signed with the Vancouver Whitecaps, the club announced on Friday, after being released by his former club Sporting CP.

Montero, 31, returns to MLS after spending last season with the Portuguese Liga side, where he scored three goals in 20 appearances.

The Colombian enjoyed a stellar year for Vancouver in 2017 when he led the team in scoring with 15 goals and six assists in 39 appearances across all competitions while on loan from Chinese Super League side Tianjin TEDA.

"We're happy to have Fredy back in Vancouver. He's returning to a city and a club he knows very well, and to a league where he's had incredible success," said Whitecaps head coach Marc Dos Santos. "He gives us a proven goalscorer and an important presence in our locker room."

Because Montero has a U.S. green card, he will not take up an international roster spot, with Dos Santos adding the club has yet to determine whether he will be listed as a designated player or not.

Montero is no stranger to MLS, having scored 47 goals while adding 34 assists for the Seattle Sounders in 119 regular-season games from 2009-12.

"Vancouver is a special place for my family and me," said Montero. "I'm blessed and excited to be back. The city and fans welcomed us in 2017 and I'm ready to score goals and give my all to the club once again. I just want to say thank you to the coaching staff for giving me this opportunity."

Vancouver opens its MLS season against Minnesota on Saturday, March 2 (live on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET).

Information from the Associated Press was used in this story.