Colombian teenager hopes to follow in Asprilla’s footsteps at Newcastle
FAVOURITE ... former Newcastle striker Faustino Asprilla playing in a recent charity match.
A COLOMBIAN teenager is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his countryman Faustino Asprilla – and star for Newcastle United.
Esteban Lopez is on the fringes of the club’s Under-18s side.
The 16-year-old came to England with his parents as a young child hoping for a better future.
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Lopez, a skilful midfielder, has lived in Newcastle for the past seven years, and has a Geordie accent.
And he’s hopeful, under the guidance of the coaching staff at United’s Academy, he can progress through the ranks at St James’s Park.
“My mam and dad moved to England for a better future,” Lopez told the Gazette.
“I come from a small town near Bogata. My mother came from a poor background, so they decided to come here.
“I have been here for seven years and have a Geordie accent now – it’s a great city.
“I used to play for Wallsend Boys Club. I was scouted from there.
“That was at Under-12 level, and I came for a trial with Newcastle. After two months, they got me the contract.
“It’s a big club, and I love it here. The facilities are great. The coaches help me a lot and look after me really well.
I’m a creative, technical player. I like to give other players chances.”
Former Colombia international Asprilla joined Newcastle in 1996, the year after Lopez was born.
And Lopez – who won the Nike Cup with Untied in 2010 – met him on one of his regular visits back to the city.
“I met Tino Asprilla once as he came to visit the Academy,” he said. “We had a chat about how I can progress. Hopefully, I can follow in his footsteps.”
Lopez – who has been troubled by hamstring problems this season – has made one appearance for Newcastle’s Under-18s.
Twitter: @milesstarforth
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