Fire’s Castillo loaned to Greek club

The Chicago Fire on Thursday confirmed the long-rumored departure of designated player Nery Castillo. Castillo will go to Greek club Aris FC on a five-month loan.

The Fire has an option to transfer Castillo to Aris when the loan ends.

Castillo, who has spent most of his professional career playing in Greece, joined the Fire in July from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in a much-heralded move.

But Castillo reported to the Fire out of shape and did little for the club, which missed the playoffs for only the second time in its history. Castillo played in eight matches and failed to register a goal or an assist.

“This is a great opportunity for Nery to get consistent playing time on the field, and we look forward to monitoring his progress in the coming months,” said Fire technical director Frank Klopas, who last week said he expected the Mexican forward to be with the Fire when players report for preseason training at the end of January.

The Fire acquired two designated players at midseason last year, Castillo and Freddie Ljungberg. Both have now left the club.

The Fire is expected to announce the signing of a new foreign player soon.