Former River Plate Academy graduate, Nicolás Vélez, became the newest addition to NorthEast United FC’s (NEUFC) strike force after agreeing personal terms and inking a deal with the Highlanders for Season 2 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL). The 25 year old Argentinian striker, will link up with the squad after finishing his season with SAF Warriors in the S.League (Singapore).
Vélez enjoyed a path-breaking season with SAF Warriors this season and has notched up a hugely impressive 28 goals in 31 appearances for the club. One of the integral reason for his side’s league title triumph, the prolific striker was once again selected to feature for the Singapore Select XI in the recently concluded Barclays Asia Trophy. Pitting his talent against Premier League sides like Arsenal, Everton and Stoke, Vélez was hugely impressive in each of his outings. His show of speed, skill and determination drove the Singapore XI forward and even prompted Arsene Wenger to applaud the “electric performance”.
The Argentine was bred at the legendary River Plate Academy that has produced talents like Gonzalo Higuaín & Javier Saviola and has been represented by super-stars like Alfredo di Stéfano, Pablo Aimar, Hernán Crespo and Radamel Falcao to name a few. He found his wings after moving to the Singapore Super League winning fans and critics over with his performances.
Vélez was visibly happy after signing the contract and revealed his happiness in an exclusive chat with the NEUFC Media Team, “It is a challenge and a great opportunity for me to play in a League with a lot of great players and legends of the game. It is also an honour to have an exceptional player like Simão as a team-mate and I hope I will learn a great deal from him and that things will go our way.”
He also stated that he could wait for the ISL to begin, “I am looking forward to arriving to India, get to know a new culture and above all to fight with North East United FC to be at the top of the new ISL 2015 season. We will work very hard to achieve this goal. I cannot wait to start.”
NEUFC Head Coach, César Farías was also delighted at having secured the talented front-man’s signature, “I am very happy to add this piece to the puzzle because he is very fast and has a great technique with the ball while attacking. He possesses characteristics similar to players such as Alexis Sanchez. He has improved remarkably over the past year and we all know that he can score.”
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