City's new Spanish acquisition Juan Velasco admitted he is confident that he can overcome the language barrier “as soon as possible” after his introduction to the Norfolk media at Colney yesterday.
To be fair to him, his English is already much more advanced than my Spanish, or any of his new team-mates' ability to speak his native tongue for that matter.
And, with a bit of luck, the universal language of football should be able to get him through any communication issues in the coming weeks.
“Having to get over the language barrier is normal,” said Velasco, a veteran of over 200 games in La Liga.
“I will need a little time, but I hope to learn the language as soon as possible. None of my team-mates speak Spanish but whilst I learn English, I hope they will learn my language! They have been saying little things like 'good morning' to me in Spanish.”
His pedigree is not in question, having represented some of the biggest clubs in Spain – Sevilla, Celta Vigo and Atletico Madrid among them.
The right-back ? whose arrival will keep Jon Otsemobor firmly on his toes ? also has four international caps to his name, but there must be a niggling doubt over his match fitness.
His last game came eight months ago during a spell with Espanyol and whilst he has taken part in plenty of practice matches during his trial period in Norfolk, a physical Championship battle is a different kettle of fish altogether.
But for Velasco, it's a case of one step at a time. And at the moment, he is just glad to be here.
“I'm very excited to be here in Norwich. The stadium and the facilities are excellent and I'm looking forward to enjoying myself here for the three months.
“I have looked on the internet for information about the City and the club and I'm pleased to be here.
“After finishing last season my intention was to leave Spain to play football elsewhere. I was attracted to the English game because it's a high standard of football.
“It's a good game, a passionate game, the atmosphere of the fans in the stadiums is great. Also the language is important, not only for myself but for my family too. It's important for my children to learn English.”
The 30-year-old defender, who was part of Spain's Euro 2000 squad, will be hoping that he can be a valuable addition to a squad that with two or three suspensions and an injury here or there, looks a bit thin on the ground.
None of his new Colney pals can boast a CV quite like Velasco anyway?
“I've got a lot of experience playing in Spain and playing in the UEFA Cup and Champions League. Hopefully I can bring this experience to Norwich. I want to help my team-mates on the pitch and I feel I have good technical ability as well.
“I've seen a few of our home games and I want to get playing as soon as possible. I want to adapt to the English game as soon as possible. Adapting should be ok.
“I have been very impressed by my team-mates, although it's different to how it was in Spain. I've been living in a hotel, but I will soon be moving into an apartment near to the ground in the next few days.”
He also backed up the notion that Ipswich Town striker Pablo Counago had paved the way for his switch to England, but in revealing that he and the Town forward were good pals, he had a little apology for the City faithful, already aware of the intense rivalry between East Anglia's big two.
“He says Norwich are no good!” added Velasco, tongue firmly in cheek.
“Pablo is my friend and on my days off I go down to Ipswich to see him. I've got a good relationship with him. Sorry!
“I spoke with Pablo before I came,” said the Spaniard, a former team-mate of Liverpool star Fernando Torres during his time at Atletico Madrid.
“Pablo recommended Norwich to me. He said it was a top club and a nice city to live in, so he gave it his full recommendation.”
And was he hoping to extend his deal beyond the end of the season, if all went to plan? “I hope that I can stay for two or three seasons,” was the simple response.
Tom Haylett
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