Marco Pappa is officially a member of the Colorado Rapids, the team announced Tuesday, .
The Rapids sent Seattle Sounders an undisclosed amount of general allocation money in exchange for the 28-year-old Guatemalan playmaker.
In a video interview posted by the Rapids, Pappa said he was excited for the new opportunity and a new challenge.
“I need a new challenge in my career,” Pappa said.
In two seasons in Seattle, Pappa appeared in 49 games (41 starts) and scored nine goals and added 11 assists. He’s a creative playmaker, something Colorado desperately needs.
“The departure of Vicente Sánchez left a gap for a chief creator and we believe Marco can step in to that vital role,” Paul Bravo, Rapids VP of soccer operations, said in a news release. “He is a seasoned international with European experience and has been part of high-quality Seattle side in recent years.”
Pappa spent time in the Dutch first division after his first stint in MLS with the Chicago Fire.
Pappa will wear the No. 10 shirt for the Rapids, which was recently vacated by the release of Panamanian striker Gabriel Torres.
“When I came here I chose the 10 because I know there’s a big responsibility to be the one to make things happen,” Pappa said. “And I like that responsibility.”
Pappa has 49 caps with the Guatemala national team, notching 11 goals and three assists.
He said he spoke with Rapids’ coach Pablo Mastroeni and liked the former U.S. international’s vision for how he sees Colorado playing in 2016.
“The way I talk to the coach, Pablo, I really like it,” Pappa said. “He sounds pretty excited to have me here.”
Bravo added: “It is no secret we need to increase our attacking output. We are confident Marco will add a creative element to our attack which will benefit everyone on the field.”
Pappa helped lead the Sounders to a Supporters’ Shield in 2014, scoring two goals on the final day of the season to clinch the trophy awarded the MLS team with the best regular season record.
“All I can really say (to Sounders fans) is thank you,” Pappa said. “It was a really special two years for me.”
Pappa earned $75,000 last season, according to figures released by the MLS Players Union. The Seattle Times reports that Pappa was .
The 28-year-old midfielder was arrested in July for DUI and speeding and missed a month of action while undergoing an assessment by MLS’ Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program.
