Nolberto Solano

Nolberto "Nobby" Albino Solano Todco (born December 12, 1974 in Callao, Perú) is a Peruvian football player who currently plays for Newcastle United in the English Premiership.

Related Topics:
December 12 - 1974 - Callao - Perú - Football - Newcastle United - English Premiership

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His career started in Perú, first for Municipal (1993), and then Sporting Cristal (1994-97); with this club he achieved a triple championship (1994-1996) and reached the finals of the 1997's Copa Libertadores, before leaving for Boca Juniors (1997-98), and then to England, where he played for Newcastle United since August 12, 1998 having scored five league goals in Argentina. His debut Newcastle performance came in a Premier League match against Chelsea on August 22, after 67 minutes of play, as a substitute for goalscorer Andreas Andersson.

Related Topics:
Sporting Cristal - Boca Juniors - Newcastle United - August 12 - 1998 - Chelsea - August 22 - Andreas Andersson

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In June 2001, he signed a new contract which would mean he could keep his place at the club for five years. Nevertheless, when the manager of Newcastle, Sir Bobby Robson, showed his displeasure at Solano's loyalty to his country, he was sold in the "January window" of 2004 to Aston Villa. He had been an extremely popular member of Newcastle and many fans voiced their anger over his sale.

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For Aston Villa, Solano became a valuable asset, having been, curiously enough, their top scorer for the 2004-2005 season, and elected Player of the Year by the supporters, the press and his team mates.

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However, Solano was re-signed by Newcastle in 2005 from Aston Villa, just moments before the closure of the summer transfer window on August 31st for £1.5 million with James Milner also going on loan to Villa until the end of the season. He signed a 2 year contract, with the option to extend an additional year. Solano's re-signing was met with delight by Newcastle fans, who had chanted "Nobby's" name during the unveiling of record signing Michael Owen earlier on the 31st.

Related Topics:
2005 - James Milner - Michael Owen

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An accurate and creative passer of the ball, he also has a fine shot and scores many of his goals from free kicks. His best contribution to his teams are perhaps the crosses that he swings in for his attackers which result in many goals.

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For Peru, Solano has been capped over 70 times, scoring 20 goals (as of 2005). He has been a key member of the squad since the mid-1990s.

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