Marta, Orlando Pride Agree to Contract After Free Transfer

Five-time FIFA World Player of the Year Marta has signed a deal to join NWSL team Orlando Pride.

Michelle Stile of Women's Soccer Weekly (h/t Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated) reported the iconic 31-year-old female player will arrive on a free transfer from the Swedish club Rosengard.

According to Wahl, Alex Leitao—the Brazilian CEO of the Pride—said:

"

As soon as Orlando City decided to bring women’s soccer to the city and acquire an NWSL franchise, the Pride, I thought it was important to have a player with the quality of Marta.

In my opinion, Marta is the greatest player of all time.

"

Rosengard agreed to terminate the player's contract, allowing her to sign a two-year deal in the United States' professional women's soccer league, per Stile (h/t Wahl).

Orlando coach Tom Sermanni expressed his delight at acquiring the superstar talent: "Just bringing Marta into the environment immediately lifts everybody player-wise. From a playing perspective, she's still a world-class player, as simple as that. To bring her here is a huge statement."

Marta's move to Orlando Pride means she'll be close to compatriot and Brazil men's national team legend Kaka, who plays for Orlando City in MLS.

The 31-year-old has played in the U.S. before, previously turning out for the Los Angeles Sol, FC Gold Pride and Western New York Flash.

For more news, rumors and related stories about Marta and the NWSL, check out the world football stream on Bleacher Report's app.