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New Signing Nelson Marcelo San Martin Arriagada
12th December 2009
This week we bring you Home United FC's second new signing Nelson Marcelo San Martin Arriagada. Nelson, a Chilean is an attacking midfielder who has played in South East Asia for a couple of years.
Turning thirty next year, Nelson started his professional career with Chilean club U. DE CHILE at the age of seventeen. He stayed at the club for six years, where he clinched the Chilean League Champions medal in 1999/ 2000 season. During his time at U. DE CHILE, Nelson played in the reknown COPA LIBERTADORES Championship, where he faced the top clubs in South America. In 2004, Nelson moved to UNION SAN FELIPE and the year after, he joined Mexican club SANTANDER DE ALTANIRA.
Nelson's first foray into South East Asia was in 2006, when he signed for Malaysian club Kedah FC. He played a key role in Kedah FC's dominance in the 2006/2007 & 2007/2008 season, where the club clinched the treble for two consecutive years. After a successful three years in Malaysia, Nelson had to move on as the Malaysian League embarked on an all local policy. Nelson signed for Bangkok Glass FC this year, the Thai club which reached our RHB Singapore Finals this year.
We caught up with Nelson, who speaks a decent level of English, for a short interview.
What are your aspirations for the coming 2010 season ?
To bring the S-League Championship to Home United FC
You've played in South East Asia for a couple of years. Has it been difficult settling into a different part of the world ?
Initially language was a big problem as i speak little English but now my English is not bad. The food in this part of the world is very much different to ours in South America but luckily, my wife cooks. The Asian people are rather shy as compared to people from my part of the World.
What can the fans expect to see from you this coming season ?
I'm an attacking midfielder. My game is all about one, two touches and i always look for forward passes, especially the "killer passes". I am also a "dead-ball specialist", so fans can expect some South American executed freekicks.
Your wife and daughter is here with you in Singapore. How do you and your family find Singapore in the short time that you have been here?
My family is very happy. Singapore is really clean and peaceful, though it's rather expensive as compared to Malaysia and Thailand. The people have been very friendly and helpful.
HUFC wishes Nelson Marcelo San Martin Arriagada a successful spell in Singapore!