Carlos Vela

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This name uses Spanish naming customs; the first or paternal family name is Vela and the second or maternal family name is Garrido.
Carlos Vela

Vela playing for Arsenal in 2010
Personal information
Full nameCarlos Alberto Vela Garrido
Date of birth (1989-03-01) 1 March 1989
Place of birthCancún, Mexico
Height1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)[1]
Playing positionForward
Club information
Current clubReal Sociedad
Number11
Youth career
2002–2005Guadalajara
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
2005–2012Arsenal29(3)
2006–2007→ Salamanca (loan)31(8)
2007–2008→ Osasuna (loan)33(3)
2011→ West Bromwich Albion (loan)8(2)
2011–2012→ Real Sociedad (loan)35(12)
2012–Real Sociedad56(23)
National team‡
2005Mexico U178(5)
2007Mexico U208(0)
2007–Mexico35(9)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 2 February 2014.

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 29 March 2011

Carlos Alberto Vela Garrido (born 1 March 1989) is a Mexican footballer who currently plays as a striker for La Liga club Real Sociedad. He started his career at Mexican club C.D. Guadalajara and caught the eye of various European clubs after finishing as the top scorer at the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship, finally joining Premier League club Arsenal that year. After joining Arsenal he had loan spells at Spanish clubs Salamanca and Osasuna, as well as fellow English club West Bromwich Albion, finally joining Real Sociedad on loan, then permanently on 10 August 2012.

Vela made his debut with the senior national team in 2007 in a friendly match against Brazil, and scored his first goal for Mexico in a friendly against Guatemala. He participated in Mexico's CONCACAF Gold Cup victory in 2009, and participated in the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa. His last participation with the national team came on 29 March 2011 in a match against Venezuela, with Vela rejecting all subsequent call-ups to tournaments such as the 2011 Gold Cup, 2011 Copa América, 2012 Summer Olympics, 2013 Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup, citing various reasons for his refusals.

Aside from his Mexican nationality, Vela also holds a Spanish passport.[2]

Club career

Guadalajara

Carlos Vela's career started with Guadalajara, alongside his brother Alejandro Vela. After winning the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship with Mexico and finishing as the top scorer with five goals, Jorge Vergara, owner and president of Chivas de Guadalajara, agreed to sign him. Since Vela's family lived in the then-recently-storm-stricken Cancún, Quintana Roo, he asked that the club help relocate them as a condition of his signing. Vela had previously shown his great affection to his father, whose birthday fell on the day on which Mexico beat Brazil in the final of the U-17 World Cup, by carrying the cup to his father and dedicating his Golden Boot to him.[3]

Arsenal

Vela attracted interest from a number of European clubs, and eventually Arsenal won the race for his signature in November 2005 on a five-year deal for a £125,000 fee that rose to £550,000 after he played 50 first-team games.[4] However, since English work permit restrictions for non-EU citizens prevented him from playing in England, Arsenal quickly loaned him out to Celta de Vigo in February 2006, but was returned right away with no games played.[5]

Salamanca (loan)

At the end of the season, Vela was sent to Spanish Segunda División club Salamanca, on loan for the 2006–07 season.[6] He had a successful stay there, creating many of Salamanca's 53 goals, eight of which he scored himself.[7]

Osasuna (loan)

After his loan spell with Salamanca ended, bigger clubs of La Liga, such as Levante, Osasuna and Almería were all interested in taking him on loan from Arsenal for whom he was still ineligible to play as he still had yet to receive a work permit.[8] Eventually, a one year loan move to Osasuna was agreed, with the option of an extension for another year. However, no permanent option had been contemplated.[8][9][10] On 31 October 2007, he scored his first goal with Osasuna, in a match against Real Betis, a performance that went on to earn several plaudits from the Spanish press.[11]

Return to Arsenal

Vela (right) and former team mate Fabregas against Blackpool with Charlie Adam (far left)

On 22 May 2008, Vela was granted a work permit that allowed him to play in England. Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger confirmed that Vela would be involved with the first team in the coming season and that he viewed Vela as a striker in the Eduardo mould.[12][13]

Vela during his time at Arsenal

Vela made his competitive debut for Arsenal on 30 August 2008 in their Premier League match against Newcastle United, coming on as a substitute for Robin Van Persie in the 63rd minute. Arsenal won the match 3–0. In his full debut on 23 September 2008 against Sheffield United in the League Cup, Vela scored a hat-trick in a 6–0 win, with his second goal recently voted as one of Arsenal's Greatest 50 Goals.[14] The match was also notable for featuring Arsenal's youngest ever side, with an average age of 19.[15]

On 8 March 2009, in the FA Cup Fifth Round tie against Burnley, Vela scored the first goal in a 3–0 win by chipping the ball over the keeper and into the goal.[16] He scored his first goal in the Premier League for Arsenal away to Portsmouth on 2 May 2009[17] making him just the second Mexican player to score a goal in the Premier League. On 28 April Vela was excluded from Arsenal's training session as a precaution due to the 2009 swine flu outbreak. Two of Vela's friends from Mexico visited him over the weekend and Arsenal were asked to keep him away. However, he returned to training the next day after being given the all-clear.[18]

Vela missed Arsenal's pre-season campaign of the 2009–10 season after suffering an ankle injury which kept him out until September. He returned to action on 22 September by coming off the bench in Arsenal's 2–0 win by assisting the first and scoring the second goal against West Bromwich Albion in the League Cup. On 21 November 2009 Vela made his first appearance of the season in the Premier League away to Sunderland, playing 21 minutes after coming on as a substitute for Eduardo. Vela renewed his contract with Arsenal on 10 December 2009.[19] On 4 May 2010, Vela played his 50th game in an Arsenal shirt, against Blackburn Rovers. On 9 May 2010, he scored the fourth goal of Arsenal's victory over Fulham.

Vela wore the number 11 shirt for the 2010–11 campaign, as Robin van Persie switched to the number 10, which was vacated by former Arsenal defender William Gallas. Coincidently, his brother Alejandro also wore the number 11 shirt while playing for Cruz Azul in Mexico. He scored his first goal of the season against Bolton Wanderers in a 4–1 home win on 11 September 2010.[20] On 15 September 2010 Vela scored two goals in the UEFA Champions League when Arsenal beat Portuguese side Braga 6–0.[21]

West Bromwich (loan)

On 28 January 2011, Vela joined West Bromwich Albionon loan until the end of the 2010–11 season. He made his debut on 1 February 2011 in a 2–2 draw against Wigan Athletic playing 58 minutes of the game.[22] He scored his first goal coming in as a substitute for the Baggies in his third match for the club with a 92nd minute equaliser against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 20 February 2011. Vela once again scored for West Brom in the dying minutes of a game against Stoke City to salvage a 1–1 draw after coming on as a late substitute.[23]

Real Sociedad (loan)

On 15 August 2011, Arsenal announced that Vela would be loaned out to Spanish club Real Sociedad, subject to a medical.[24] After passing the medical exams, he was officially presented on 17 August 2011.[25] As Vela was sent away on loan, his number 11 shirt was given to new Arsenal signing André Santos,[26] although the club's website still listed Vela as having the shirt number 11. On 4 December 2011 Vela scored a bicycle kick goal to equalise for Real Sociedad, his second of the season, against Málaga before teammate Diego Ifran scored a late winner to make the score 3–2. Vela scored the only goal for Real Sociedad in a 2–1 loss to Barcelona, making it his third goal for the season.[27]

During early February 2012, rumours of Vela's future at Arsenal began to surface, claiming that he wished to stay in Spain with Real Sociedad. Vela has been quoted saying "I don't want to return to Arsenal. I have asked my agent to negotiate with Arsenal to stay here."[28][29]

Real Sociedad

After a successful loan spell in Spain, making over 30 appearances in all competitions and scoring 12 goals, Vela was officially transferred to Real Sociedad from Arsenal on 17 July 2012, with the move believed to have cost £4 million.[30][31][32] The deal was confirmed by Arsenal on 10 August.[33] He was given the number 11 shirt. During the 2012–13 season, Vela played predominantly on the right wing and scored 14 goals, as well as having nine assists.[34] There had been speculation in the media that he would return to Arsenal, however no talks took place between the two teams.[35][36]

Vela started the 2013–14 season, scoring once and assisting the other in the team's 2–0 win over Getafe. On 28 August 2013, Vela scored a brace to seal Sociedad's progression to the group stages of the Champions League as they defeated Olympique Lyon.[37]

On 20 January 2014 it was announced that Vela had won the La Liga Player of the Month for December after his performances against Real Betis and Granada while also doing well against Real Madrid and Barcelona.[38]

International career

Mexico U-17

Vela played in the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship, held in Peru, where he helped Mexico to victory. He was a pivotal figure in the final against Brazil as Mexico triumphed 3–0. Vela subsequently finished as top scorer with five goals, claiming the Adidas Golden Boot.

Mexico national team

During his stay at Osasuna, Vela made his full international debut for Mexico in a September 2007 friendly against Brazil. On 18 October 2007, Vela scored his first senior international goal for Mexico in a friendly against Guatemala played in Los Angeles.

Vela was called up for the two-legged playoff against Belize and the preceding friendlies. On 8 June 2008, Vela scored his second senior international goal for Mexico in a friendly against Peru at the 20th minute to help Mexico to a 4–0 victory. A match later for Mexico he scored in their qualifying opener against Belize making the match 1–0. In the return leg against Belize he again scored the opening goal of the match and beginning the 7–0 rout in favour of Mexico.

In mid-2009, Vela was called up to play in the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He scored his fifth goal in a preparation friendly for the Gold Cup against Venezuela. Vela subsequently started in Mexico's opener against Nicaragua. However, after five minutes, an opposing player tackled Vela and he fell awkwardly on his right leg. However, x-rays showed he did not break anything and could play again in the tournament.[39] Mexico would advance to the semi-finals against Costa Rica, where Vela would make his return in the 81st minute. After extra time, the game was tied 1–1 and went to penalties. After Guillermo Ochoa saved Froylán Ledezma's penalty, Vela scored Mexico's fifth penalty to send them to the final. In the final against the United States, Vela was brought on at half time with the score deadlocked at 0–0. Mexico went on to defeat the U.S. 5–0 with Vela providing the pass to Giovani Dos Santos for the first penalty, creating the second goal, scoring the third and assisting the fourth.[40] Vela scored one goal and assisted a goal in Mexico's 4–1 win over El Salvador which meant Mexico qualified for the 2010 World Cup. In the match against New Zealand, he scored a goal, in which he dribbled past defenders before tapping the ball next to the goalkeeper Glen Moss.

On 3 June 2010, he scored his first international goal against a team from Europe, Italy. He scored the first goal of the game with an assist from Giovani dos Santos. Mexico would win the match 2–1.

During the World Cup group match against France he got struck in the right leg and got injured. Vela was substituted out in the first half and missed the next match against Uruguay. His place was taken by Cuauhtémoc Blanco.

On 21 September 2010 it was announced that Vela and fellow Mexican international Efraín Juárez would be suspended from the Mexican national team for 6 months for their involvement in a party on 7 September in Monterrey following a game with Colombia.[41] Vela and 12 other players were also fined 50,000 Mexican peso (approximately US$3,953 as of 24 September 2010), and the money collected will most likely be used to help the flood victims in the Mexican state of Veracruz.[42]

After his suspension, Vela returned to the national team after head coach José Manuel de la Torre called him up in a friendly match against Venezuela in February 2011. After much criticism from the press for under-performing with Mexico and a bad relationship with head executives of the federation, Vela refused to join the national team that won the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He also refused to participate in the 2012 London Olympics due to wanting to establish himself with his new club Real Sociedad. He refused a third time to join the national team in March 2013 for the World Cup Qualifiers against the United States and Honduras due to personal reasons.

After De La Torre was sacked, Carlos declared on wanting to return to play for Mexico. On September 2013 new manager Víctor Manuel Vucetich called him up for World Cup qualifiers against Panama and Costa Rica, however Vela declined once again to come back to the national team. Afterwards, Vucetich refused to make any more comments regarding Carlos, calling it a "closed case". On 3 February 2014, national team coach Miguel Herrera flew to Spain with officials from the Mexican Football Federation to meet with Vela and gauge his interest in representing the national team. After the meeting, Vela expressed that he was not "100 percent mentally ready to represent Mexico", subsequently ruling out his participation in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.[43]

Career statistics

Club

As of 2 February 2014
Club Season League Cup Europe Total
Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists
Salamanca 2006–07 31815100—32815
Total 31815100—32815
Osasuna 2007–08 3334000—3334
Total 3334000—3334
Arsenal 2008–09 14117538002964
2009–10 11104125002022
2010–11 4105014201331
Total 29311666172062117
West Bromwich Albion 2010–11 821——821
Total 821——821
Real Sociedad 2011–12 35127200—37127
2012–13 35149100—36149
2013–14 2198521831341410
Total 9135248218311074026
Career Total 192 51 46 24 7 7 25 5 1 243 64 54

International

As of 29 March 2011
National team Year Apps Goals
Mexico 2007 21
2008 113
2009 93
2010 112
2011 20
Total 359

International goals

As of 3 June 2010
Scores and results list Mexico's goal tally first.

International Caps

As of 29 March 2011

Honours

International

Mexico U-17
  • FIFA U-17 World Championship (1): 2005
Mexico

Individual

References

  1. ↑ "Carlos Vela Player Profile". Real Sociedad Official Website. Retrieved 8 December 2012. 
  2. ↑ Carlos Vela – Transfermarkt.de
  3. ↑ "Ramirez: "I didn't expect such a resounding victory"". FIFA. 3 October 2005. Retrieved 3 July 2008. "I dedicate my goal tonight, and the trophy, to my father, because it's his birthday this evening." 
  4. ↑ Northcroft, Jonathan (28 September 2008). "Arsene Wenger's generation game". The Sunday Times (London). Retrieved 28 September 2008. "Contrary to reports that he cost £2.5m, Vela arrived for a £125,000 fee that will rise to £550,000 if he plays 50 first-team games." 
  5. ↑ "Vela poised for European stage". FIFA. 27 April 2006. Retrieved 1 August 2009. 
  6. ↑ "El mexicano Carlos Vela, a un paso de llegar cedido al Salamanca" [Mexican Carlos Vela, a step away from being transferred to Salamanca]. Diario Marca (in Spanish). 5 August 2006. Retrieved 1 August 2009. 
  7. ↑ Lewis, Darren (13 July 2007). "Jolly Good Vela". Daily Mirror (UK). Retrieved 20 July 2007. "The 18-year-old marksman, on loan at Spanish side Salamanca, has been tearing defences apart – setting up around half of their 53 goals last season and scoring eight in 31 appearances himself." 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Fraser, Peter (5 August 2007). "Vela looks forward to loan". Sky Sports. Retrieved 1 August 2009. 
  9. ↑ "Jugará Carlos Vela con el Osasuna" [Carlos Vela will play for Osasuna]. El Universal (in Spanish). 19 July 2007. Retrieved 1 August 2009. 
  10. ↑ Symcox, Jonathan (20 July 2007). "Premiership – Wenger denies Anelka interest". Eurosport. Archived from the original on 13 August 2007. Retrieved 22 July 2007. "Wenger has allowed Mexican teenager Carlos Vela, previously on loan at Celta Vigo and Salamanca, to join Liga club Osasuna on a season-long loan." 
  11. ↑ Clark, Richard (16 November 2007). "Loan star Vela starts to sparkle in Spain". Arsenal.com. Retrieved 1 August 2009. 
  12. ↑ "Mexican striker Vela granted a work permit". Arsenal.com. 22 May 2008. Retrieved 22 May 2008. "Arsène Wenger said: "Vela will be involved with the first-team next season. He has played the whole season at Osasuna on the left wing and he had to work hard there. But for me it is not his position, he is a central striker, an Eduardo type." 
  13. ↑ Clark, Richard (23 September 2008). "Wenger – Vela is so cool it makes me smile". Arsenal.com. Retrieved 1 August 2009. "Carlos can play central and wide as well. He's an Eduardo basically." 
  14. ↑ "GGG29: Carlos Vela v Sheffield United, 2008". Arsenal.com. 23 June 2009. Retrieved 1 August 2009. "Vela was at the forefront of the onslaught with a hat-trick on his first start for the Club. All three were fine strikes but his second was really special." 
  15. ↑ Harris, Chris (23 September 2008). "Arsenal 6–0 Sheffield United – Match Report". Arsenal.com. Retrieved 1 August 2009. "Nonetheless, with an average age of 19, this was still the youngest ever side to represent Arsenal." 
  16. ↑ Clark, Richard (8 March 2009). "FA Cup: Arsenal 3–0 Burnley – Match Report". Arsenal.com. Retrieved 1 August 2009. 
  17. ↑ Ornstein, David (2 May 2009). "Portsmouth 0–3 Arsenal". BBC. Retrieved 16 August 2009. 
  18. ↑ Clarke, Richard (28 April 2009). "Vela missed training over swine flu fears". Arsenal.com. Retrieved 7 August 2009. "Carlos Vela has had the all-clear to return to training after missing Monday's session due to a concern over swine flu." 
  19. ↑ "Carlos Vela signs new long-term contract". Arsenal.com. 10 December 2011. 
  20. ↑ "Arsenal 4–1 Bolton". BBC Sport. 11 September 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2010. 
  21. ↑ "Arsenal 6 – 0 Braga". BBC Sport. 15 September 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2010. 
  22. ↑ "Arsenal's Vela agrees West Brom loan deal". 29 January 2011. Retrieved 29 January 2011. 
  23. ↑ "Carlos Vela strikes late to salvage point for West Brom". 20 February 2011. Retrieved 20 February 2011. 
  24. ↑ "Vela Loaned Out". BBC Sport. 15 August 2011. Retrieved 16 August 2011. 
  25. ↑ [http://www.realsociedad.com/caste/home/real.asp?menu=110900&id=125853: "Vela: "Lo daré todo por la Real""]. Real Sociedad Official Website. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
  26. ↑ "Brazilian Santos completes move to Arsenal". Arsenal. Retrieved 2 November 2011. 
  27. ↑ "Carlos Vela". Arsenal. Retrieved 2 November 2011. 
  28. ↑ "Vela: Don't make me go back to Arsenal!". Daily Mirror. 7 February 2012. Retrieved 14 February 2012. 
  29. ↑ "Car to drive away from Arsenal". The Sun. 8 February 2012. Retrieved 14 February 2012. 
  30. ↑ [http://sports.yahoo.com/news/carlos-vela-joins-real-sociedad-144800158--sow.html: "Carlos Vela joins Real Sociedad from Arsenal"]. Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
  31. ↑ [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2174906/Carlos-Vela-set-leave-Arsenal-Real-Sociedad.html: "Mexican waves goodbye to Arsenal as Vela closes in on Real"]. Daily Mail. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
  32. ↑ [http://www.caughtoffside.com/2012/07/19/arsenal-striker-completes-la-liga-switch-carlos-vela-signs-for-real-sociedad/: "Arsenal Striker Completes La Liga Switch: Carlos Vela Signs for Real Sociedad"]. Caught Offside. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
  33. ↑ http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/carlos-vela-finalises-real-sociedad-switch: "Carlos Vela finalises Real Sociedad switch." Arsenal.com. Retrieved 10 August 2012.
  34. ↑ http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/en/carlos-vela/profil/spieler_35773.html
  35. ↑ http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/204307.html
  36. ↑ http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11851/8683892/Transfer-news-Real-Sociedad-s-Carlos-Vela-claims-return-to-Arsenal-could-happen
  37. ↑ "Goal of the day: Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad) vs Lyon". inside World Soccer. 29 August 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2013. 
  38. ↑ Premios BBVA a los mejores de diciembre; LFP.es 20 January 2014 (Spanish)
  39. ↑ "Misfortune Hits Vela But Youngster's Spirits High". Goal.com. 7 July 2009. Retrieved 1 August 2009. "...initial fears were that he would not be able to participate in the tournament any longer. But x-rays proved negative to a feared fracture and team doctors said the injury was a sprain. Vela may be able to participate in Thursday's game in Houston despite the setback." 
  40. ↑ Longman, Jeré (26 July 2009). "Mexico Thumps U.S. to Win Gold Cup". The New York Times. Retrieved 1 August 2009. "Sunday, all of Mexico's goals came during a furiously counterattacking second half. The first four were delivered or facilitated by a pair of 20-year-old forwards, Giovani dos Santos and Carlos Vela." 
  41. ↑ "Vela and Juarez banned by Mexico". BBC News. 22 September 2010. 
  42. ↑ "Efraín Juárez y Carlos Vela, fuera seis meses del Tri" (in Spanish). Record.com. 21 September 2012. 
  43. ↑ "Carlos Vela again turns down Mexico offer". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 3 February 2014. 

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