Nicolas Velez: ‘I am back to NE United because I feel at home’

Guwahati, August 18: Nico Velez, back in India with NorthEast United, has stated he will do his best to better his record in the tournament, also emphasized the importance of pre-season with a new season
For Nico Velez, the decision to comeback to India and participate in the Indian Super League’s (ISL) third edition was a no brainer. The River Plate academy product put pen-to-paper for the John Abraham owned franchise, that represents India’s Seven Sisters and Assam, named NorthEast United.
Velez had already represented the Highlanders in the 2015 iteration of India’s most watched football league, scoring five in 14 apperances. Post his last ISL stint, the Argentine had participated in the Croatian First Football League wearing the colours of Hajduk Split. Although he signed on for a two-year contract, Velez was released in June 2016.
The South American’s career trajectory has already taken him to far and away lands, such as Singapore where he became the S-League’s top goal scorer. Back in India to usher in a hopefully successful period for the Whites, Velez has spoken about the season ahead for himself and his team.Velez said “players want to come to play in the ISL because every stadium you go, you see lots of fans. You will see very good organisation in the hotel, the police. Everything is very comfortable for the players”.
The former Huracan striker believes the ISL’s organization is top-notch praising the fans and police apparatus, whilst believing the constant churning of squads shouldn’t affect the NorthEast franchise under Nelo Vingada, as all the other franchises will be doing it as well. So the most important aspect is to have a great pre-season under their belt. He also believes the franchise need to get off to a better start than last season.
“I am back here because I feel at home here. The fans give me the support I always need. In football, it is very important that, if you are very happy in one place, you can do well. So when I got a call from NorthEast, I didn’t even think twice. I like the fans, the club, the staff and this was the big reason why I came again” said Velez.