Zimmermann to Join London City on Thursday May 20th

Morris Dalla Costa -
The London Free Press -

London City has their man . . . finally.

The saga of whether Mexican striker Kevin Zimmermann would play for the Canadian Soccer League team or not ended Tuesday when London City general manager Ryan Gauss got the news from Canadian immigration officials Zimmermann was granted a one-year visa.

The story has been ongoing since Zimmermann decided to return to London to play for London City. His first bid to get a visa was denied. He submitted a different application and was denied again.

It was three-times lucky for the former FC London player. His final try at getting to Canada worked.

"We got a letter (Tuesday) telling us he was granted a one-year, temporary multiple exit visa," Gauss said. "It's great news for London City."

Zimmermann has been in St. Louis waiting to get the OK to come to London.

Gauss isn't sure when he will arrive but expects it will be near the end of this week.

"I can tell you (MP) Ed Holder really went to bat for us," Gauss said.

"I've seen all the letters he's sent and it finally worked."

Zimmermann had trouble with immigration last season before he came to play for FC London. Gauss hopes that's the last time this will happen.

"If he comes back next year, I'll fill out all applications under the rainbow and hopefully that will satisfy (government,)" he said.

London City opens their CSL season Sunday against Croatia in Toronto.

E-mail morris.dallacosta@sunmedia.ca or follow MoDaCoatatLFPress on Twitter.