TIJUANA – News of Jorge Hank Rhon's arrest by Mexican military early Saturday morning was not the only breaking news related to Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente this weekend, though certainly the most explosive.
The Xolos, which are owned by Rhon, announced the transfer of the veteran Mexican national team player Fernando Arce to Tijuana.
Arce, a Tijuana native, has left Santos Laguna and will join the Xolos in anticipation of the team's first season in the Mexican First Division.
Santos Laguna confirmed Arce's transfer through a news release Saturday, putting to bed rumors that lingered throughout the week about Arce joining the Xolos.
"Midfielder Fernando Arce closed a cycle with Santos Laguna that included seven seasons in which he gave us a standout effort with his tactical qualities and his work ethic," the statement said. "This institution thanks him for the dedication this warrior has showed."
Both teams didn't release the details of the transfer but said that the deal is for an indefinite amount of time.
Arce has a lengthy history and experience in the First Division and was a regular on the Mexican national team from 2003 to 2009. He made his debut in the First Division in 2000 with Irapuato FC, the team Tijuana beat last month in playoff of the Liga de Ascenso.
Arce made his debut with the national team in 2003. He has played in 42 games, starting 26 times. Arce hasn't recently been called to the national team but he has been an integral part of Santos Laguna's success in the league.
He has played in 371 matches in the First Division having scored 55 career goals.
News of Arce's transfer was overshadowed by news of Rhon's arrest at his Tijuana home before dawn Saturday. The military also confiscated 88 weapons and 10,000 rounds of ammunition.
ivan.orozco@sandiegored.com
