Former Sacramento Republic FC midfielder Rodrigo Lopez announced Sunday via social media that he has signed with Mexican club Celaya FC.

In a recent interview with Indomitable City Soccer, Lopez said that Celaya had been interested in bringing him in for a while and that he first went down for a week of training with Los Toros back in November. While there, he said “loved the style of play and training sessions,” and that the “organization in general was amazing.”

Celaya FC currently play in Ascenso MX, the Mexican second division that promotes to Liga MX. Lopez told ICS that being just one step away from top flight soccer in Liga MX was definitely something that drew him to his new club, saying it was a big selling point.

When asked to compare how the level of play compares to places he’s been in the past, Lopez said that Mexico in general is “very technical, dynamic, and tactical,” and described Ascenso MX specifically as “very demanding, faster than the first division.”

Lopez is happy with his new club, saying that the program in Celaya is “very promising,” pointing out that “the level is high and [the team] is well coached,” two things that are important to him.

Finally, Lopez also had a few words for all his fans in Sacramento, which are as follows: “I want to thank all the fans that have reached out to me about my future. I finally have an answer for all of them. I hope to one day come back and play for Sac Republic. Best of luck in future.”

Rodrigo Lopez and Celaya begin Ascenso MX play January 9th against Zacatepec. They’ll also head to Tuscon, Arizona to face MLS team Seattle Sounders in a friendly.

Make sure to watch Indomitable City Soccer for occasional updates on Rodrigo Lopez’s journey with his new club.