Carlos Vela

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Carlos Vela
Personal information
Full name Carlos Alberto Vela Garrido
Date of birth March 1, 1989 (age 18)
Place of birth    Cancun , Quintana Roo, Mexico
Height 1.75m (5'9")
Nickname El Bombardero
Playing position Centre Forward, Winger
Club information
Current club UD Salamanca
(on loan from Arsenal)
Senior clubs1
Years Club App (Gls)*
2002-2005
2005-
2006
2006-
Flag of MexicoGuadalajara
Flag of EnglandArsenal
Flag of SpainCelta de Vigo (loan)
Flag of SpainUD Salamanca (loan)
0 (0)
0 (0)
0 (0)
21 (7)   
National team2
2005
2007-
Flag of Mexico Mexico U-17
Flag of Mexico Mexico U-20
9 (5)
3 (0)

1 Senior club appearances and goals
counted for the domestic league only and
correct as of February 25, 2007.
2 National team caps and goals correct
as of February 25, 2007.
* Appearances (Goals)

Carlos Alberto Vela Garrido (born March 1, 1989 in Cancún, Quintana Roo) is a Mexican football striker who currently plays for UD Salamanca on loan from Arsenal.

[edit] Biography

Before moving to Europe, Vela's career started with Guadalajara. Even though he had not made his debut on Chivas' first division team, his big break came when he participated in the U-17 World Cup with the Mexican national team. Vela helped the Mexican team take the 2005 U-17 World Cup against other promising teams, including Brazil. He became a pivotal figure during the match against Brazil, by defeating the South American team 3-0 during the tournament's final. Along the conclusion of the 2005 World Cup in Peru, Vela was named the top scorer of the tournament with 5 goals and claimed the adidas Golden Boot.

Following his strong presence at the championship, Vela attracted interest from a number of European clubs, but it was Arsenal who won the race for his signature in November 2005, and he signed a five-year deal. However, due to English Premier League work permit restrictions for non-EU players, he will not be able to make his debut in England until 2007 and was loaned to Celta de Vigo in February 2006.[1] [2] However, in summer 2006 Celta found themselves unable to keep him, having signed too many players from outside the European Union. Vela was then loaned to UD Salamanca for the 2006-07 season;[3][4] he has scored six goals in his first ten appearances.[citation needed] in may of 2007 the young striker is due to return to Arsenal. He will try to be a constant starter for the English team from London.

He is the brother of Alejandro Vela.

[edit] External links