Midfielder Jack Imperato's decision to move to Spain back in 2018 has paid off in his first professional contract.

The California native announced on his Twitter account that he had signed a three-year contract with La Liga side Villarreal on Friday.

Proud to sign my first professional contract and commit my next 3 years to this amazing club. I’m very excited for the future and so grateful for my coaches, teammates, family, and everyone who has gotten me to this point. Just the beginning!💛 pic.twitter.com/ox0Jh0el5f

— jack imperato (@imperato_jack) October 30, 2020

Imperato played at De Anza Force in Northern California before joining Villarreal, as he was able to move as a 16-year-old thanks to an Italian passport acquired through family heritage. He spent part of the 2019-20 season on loan at CD Roda, another team based in Villarreal. Born in 2002, he is likely to play this year with Villarreal's Under-19 (Juvenil A) squad in the Division de Honor.

He's been called into U.S. youth national team camps in previous years, including last year's Nike Friendlies in Florida.