Brazilian midfielder Alex Monteiro de Lima is looking forward to getting his MLS career started as soon as the transfer window opens at the end of June.

The 23-year playmaker, known simply as Alex, trained with the Fire during the pre-season before heading back to Swiss club FC Wohlen to finish the season.

Alex, who had his first training session as an official Fire player this week, signed with Chicago in April and is excited about making his debut.

"I went to preseason with the Fire, so I know most of the players," Alex said through a translator after Tuesday's practice.

"Ever since, I've been following MLS from Switzerland."

And Alex admitted that he had been keeping in touch with fellow countryman Felipe Martins who has become a key member of the Montreal Impact line-up and knows just how much MLS as a competiton is improving.

"I've been keeping in touch with [Felipe] and I'm realizing that MLS is growing a lot," he added.

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