Mexican attacker Nery Castillo has signed as a Designated Player with the Chicago Fire. (Terms of his loan deal include an option for the Fire to acquire him permanently).

In his answers to inquiries submitted by fans on the Fire’s official Web site, Castillo said he came to MLS instead of returning to a Mexican club after his European stint because, “Chicago … showed real affection and faith in me. Now I have to repay that faith with my performances on the field.”

Castillo describes himself as a playmaker: “I like to play behind the striker or strikers, and have the freedom to be creative.” He believes he will combine well with striker Brian McBride: “I think that a player with his qualities would benefit by playing with a player with my qualities -- someone who can play off of him and create chances. I think we can complement each other very well, but I feel confident that I can play well with all of the Fire players."

Castillo’s father played against Chicago coach Carlos de los Cobos in the Mexican league: “He was my father's friend -- I think that we share that connection and it will be good for us as we begin our relationship,” Castillo said.