Nolberto Solano

Nolberto Solano
Personal information
Full name Nolberto Albino Solano Todco
Date of birth (1974-12-12) 12 December 1974
Place of birth Callao, Peru
Height 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Playing position Midfielder
Youth career
1987–1990 Alianza Lima
1991–1992 Sporting Cristal
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1993 Sporting Cristal 11 (1)
1993 Deportivo Municipal 27 (7)
1994–1997 Sporting Cristal 97 (31)
1997–1998 Boca Juniors 32 (5)
1998–2004 Newcastle United 182 (37)
2004–2005 Aston Villa 49 (8)
2005–2007 Newcastle United 58 (8)
2007–2008 West Ham United 23 (4)
2008 Larissa 17 (2)
2009 Universitario 32 (10)
2010 Leicester City 13 (0)
2010–2011 Hull City 11 (0)
2011–2012 Hartlepool United 14 (2)
Total 566 (115)
National team
1994–2009 Peru 95 (20)
Teams managed
2012 Universitario
2013 José Gálvez
2014 Internacional de Toronto

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.


This name uses Spanish naming customs: the first or paternal family name is Solano and the second or maternal family name is Todco.

Nolberto Albino "Ñol" Solano Todco (born 12 December 1974), commonly known as Nobby Solano, is a retired Peruvian professional footballer, and former manager of Peruvian Primera División club Universitario de Deportes and Canadian semi-professional team Internacional de Toronto, from League1 Ontario. He spent much of his playing career in the English Premier League and also played 95 times for Peru between 1994 and 2009. He is a popular figure in his native Peru, where he is seen as one of the most famous Peruvians, appearing on telephone cards and having his wedding televised live.[1][2]

His talents in football range from accurate crosses to accomplished dead-ball skills and he traditionally played either on the right side of midfield, or as a right back during his career. He is the first choice player to take corner and direct free kicks. Solano is the first Peruvian to play in the Premier League and the FA Cup Final. He is also an accomplished trumpet player and has set up his own Salsa band, The Geordie Latinos.[3] He has described himself as an "adopted Geordie."[4]

Early life

Born in Callao, Peru, Solano was the youngest of seven. His father, Albino, was in the Peru Navy, whilst his mother was a housewife who raised him, his four brothers and two sisters. He began playing football at a very early age in the streets of Callao.

Solano witnessed the Peru national football team qualify for the 1978 FIFA World Cup at the age of three and again qualify for the 1982 FIFA World Cup at the age of seven. The second World Cup he witnessed had the biggest effect on him. At that time he played a lot of football and his national team inspired him.

Club career

Early career

Solano signed his first professional contract with the Peruvian Primera División side Sporting Cristal in 1992 at the age of 17. He made his league debut on 13 April 1992 in his team's 2–0 win against San Agustín. Towards the end of his first season at Sporting Cristal, he signed a one-year contract with Deportivo Municipal, before returning to Cristal at the end of 1993. He was part of the Sporting Cristal squad of the 1990s during which the club won the Peru Primera División Championships (1994, 1995 and 1996) and reached the finals of the 1997 Copa Libertadores. Along with Roberto Palacios, Flavio Maestri, Julinho and Jorge Soto, he was one of Sporting Cristal's most recognized players of the era.

Boca Juniors

In 1997 aged 22 he signed for Argentinian side Boca Juniors where he became a teammate of Diego Maradona, who nicknamed Solano the 'Maestrito'.[4] Solano said in 2004 that he would like to play for Boca Juniors again, but admitted he was perhaps too old for the ambition to be a realized.[5]

Newcastle United

Solano preparing to take a free kick in the 1999 FA Cup final

In 1998, Solano became the first professional Peru-born footballer to play in England when he signed a contract with Newcastle United for £2,480,000.[6] Interest in his first appearance on the field in the black and white shirt for Newcastle reserves was so substantial that the kick off was delayed to accommodate the large crowd, many of whom had been delayed after a lorry had shed its load blocking one of the major routes into the city. Solano marked the occasion with a goal. His first team debut for Newcastle came in a Premier League match against Chelsea on 22 August 1998, when he came on after 67 minutes as a substitute for goalscorer Andreas Andersson. In June 2001, he signed a new five-year contract with the club. A month later he scored what he later described as "the best goal of [his] career" with a solo effort against 1860 München.[7] During this first spell at Newcastle, he played in the 1999 FA Cup Final.

Aston Villa

Solano joined Aston Villa in January 2004 for a fee of £1.5 million and signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club.[8] He attributed his leaving Newcastle to a "strained relationship" with manager Bobby Robson.[9] He made his debut in a 5–0 win over Leicester City on 31 January,[10] ended the 2004–05 season as top scorer,[11] and was elected the club's Player of the Year by the supporters, his teammates,[12] and the local press.

In what was Solano's last appearance for Villa, in August 2005, he was sent off for striking Portsmouth's Richard Hughes in the face.[13] On transfer deadline day, Solano rejected a late offer to join Liverpool and agreed to return to Newcastle.[14]

Return to Newcastle United

Solano returned to Newcastle United in August 2005 for a fee believed by the BBC to be £1.5 million. He signed a contract originally for two years, but with the option for Newcastle to extend it for another year. Midfielder James Milner went in the other direction, joining Aston Villa on a season-long loan.[15] Solano revealed that Alan Shearer had played an influential role in arranging his return.[16]

In the 2006–07 season, injuries to right-back Stephen Carr and others caused manager Glenn Roeder to play Solano at right-back instead of his usual right-wing position. However it was not an unfamiliar playing position to Solano, as he had started his football career in defence and had featured at right-back for his country. With his contract due to expire at the end of the season, Solano said he would be "crazy" to move on at the age of 32,[17] and duly signed a new one-year contract. However a few months later, he asked to leave the club to be closer to his family, who had moved to London.[18] His one regret was that he had been unable to help the club win a trophy for the fans.[19]

West Ham United

Solano playing for West Ham United

Solano signed a one-year contract with West Ham United in August 2007.[20] He made his debut for West Ham in October 2007, coming on as a second-half substitute in the 3–1 home win against Sunderland, and was instrumental in West Ham's second goal, his shot being deflected into the Sunderland goal by goalkeeper, Craig Gordon.[21] His first goal for West Ham was a free-kick and the fifth goal in West Ham's 5–0 away win against Derby County on 10 November 2007.[22] In the last game of the season on 11 May 2008 Solano scored his second free-kick goal, against Aston Villa, the match ended 2–2. He was released by West Ham when his contract expired at the end of the 2007–08 season having scored four goals in 23 appearances.[23]

Greek league and return to Peru

Although Solano was rumoured to be interesting LA Galaxy,[24] he became "one of the biggest signings in the club’s history" when he signed for Super League Greece club AE Larissa in August 2008.[25]

He then returned to Peru with Universitario de Deportes, for whom he scored a crucial penalty against Alianza Lima in the play-off for the Peruvian Primera División title,[26] helping the team to a 2–0 aggregate victory to seal the club's 25th league title.

Leicester City

Solano playing for Leicester City

Solano returned to England where he trained with Colchester United[27] and with Newcastle,[28] before, on 22 January 2010, signing for Leicester City until the end of the season. He was reunited with Nigel Pearson, who had been assistant manager at Newcastle.[29] He made his debut as an 84th-minute substitute in a goalless draw against Newcastle at the Walkers Stadium on 30 January,[30] to an enthusiastic reception from both sets of fans. He played his first full game in a 1–0 win over Crystal Palace on 16 March. Solano played eleven league games, scoring in a 4–3 penalty shootout defeat to Cardiff City in the Championship play-off semi-final second leg.[31] He was offered a contract for a further six months, but chose to leave the club,[32] preferring to follow Pearson to Hull City.[33]

Hull City

Solano rejoined former Foxes' boss Nigel Pearson, who had recently taken over the manager's job at Hull City, signing a one-year deal.[34] Despite initial expectations that Solano would be with Hull City for only a single season before retiring, Solano revealed in April 2011, that he hoped that he would be able to extend his stay with the Tigers beyond the 2010–11 season, by combining a playing and coaching role, as Nick Barmby had done.[35]

Hartlepool United

Solano with Hartlepool United in 2011

It was announced on 13 May 2011 that Solano had signed for Hartlepool United, having previously worked with their manager Mick Wadsworth at Newcastle.[36] Solano, on the first day of signing, promoted the idea of Are You Coming To Pools? with Hartlepool United selling season tickets for £100, the lowest price in Football League One.

On 2 August, Solano scored in a friendly against Sunderland, rivals of his former club Newcastle United, and scored his first league goal for Hartlepool on 17 September at home against Bury. The following week, Solano doubled his Hartlepool tally by scoring their first goal direct from a free-kick in the 2–1 away win at AFC Bournemouth. Following Wadsworth's sacking, his successor, first-team coach Neale Cooper, confirmed that Solano was not part of his plans, because he needed "players who will really graft, [and] that's not Nobby's game".[37] In April 2012, the club confirmed Solano had been advised not to play for the remainder of the season because of recurring illness.[38]

In February 2012, he became first-team coach at Northern League side Newcastle Benfield while remaining a member of Hartlepool's playing squad.[39]

International career

Solano made his full international debut for Peru at the age of 18, and went on to be capped 95 times, scoring 20 goals. He has been a key member of the squad since the mid-1990s but, in June 2005, Solano decided to quit the Peruvian national football team due to disagreements with the coach, Freddy Ternero. In 2006, he returned to the national team setup under new coach Franco Navarro. Despite his return to the national team, Solano was not selected for Peru's Copa America 2007 squad. He continued to represent the national team thereafter, but with his country having no chance at all of qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he announced his decision to retire from international football after World Cup Qualifiers against Argentina and Bolivia. Solano has also stated his desire to try and guide his country to the World Cup as a coach in the near future to try to make up for never making it as a player.[40]

Managerial career

Solano took the first step into coaching as the part-time first-team coach of Newcastle Benfield in 2012.[39]

In June 2012, he was confirmed as manager of Peruvian Primera División club Universitario de Deportes.[41]

On 12 December 2012, Universitario confirmed that Solano had left the club, despite the fact he guided the club into the top half of the table after being in the relegation zone when he first took charge.[42]

Career statistics

Club

[43][44]

Club performance League Cup League Cup Continental Total
Season Club League Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Peru League Cup League Cup South America Total
1992Sporting CristalPeruvian Primera División40????????
1993Sporting CristalPeruvian Primera División111????????
Sporting Cristal Total 151????????
1993Deportivo MunicipalPeruvian Primera División277????????
Deportivo Municipal Total 277????????
1994Sporting CristalPeruvian Primera División3518????????
19953812????????
19962613????????
1997117????????
Sporting Cristal Total 11050????????
Argentina League Cup League Cup South America Total
1997–98Boca JuniorsPrimera División325????????
Boca Juniors Total 325????????
England League FA Cup League Cup Europe Total
1998–99Newcastle UnitedPremier League296701010386
1999–00303301061404
2000–01336114000387
2001–023775140645212
2002–033171010121458
2003–04120201051201
Newcastle United (1st Spell) Total 1722919212030723338
2003–04Aston VillaPremier League100000000100
2004–05368102100399
2005–063000000030
Aston Villa Total 498102100529
2005–06Newcastle UnitedPremier League296402000356
2006–072822032110444
2007–081000100020
Newcastle United (2nd Spell) Total 58860621108110
Newcastle United (Overall Total) Total 2303725218241731448
2007–08West Ham UnitedPremier League234000000234
West Ham United Total 234000000234
Greece League Greek Cup League Cup Europe Total
2008–09LarissaSuperleague131????????
Larissa Total 131????????
Peru League Cup League Cup South America Total
2009UniversitarioPeruvian Primera División247????????
Universitario Total 247????????
England League FA Cup League Cup Europe Total
2009–10Leicester CityChampionship130000000130
Leicester City Total 130000000130
2010–11Hull CityChampionship110101000130
Hull City Total 110101000130
2011–12Hartlepool UnitedLeague One82101000102
Hartlepool United Total 82101000102
England Total 3345128222341742563
Career total 516104282223417569108
As of 23:10, 15 November 2011.

Managerial statistics

As of 7 October 2012[45]
Team From To Record
GWDLWin %
Peru Universitario de Deportes 31 May 2012 12 December 2012 33 12 8 13 36.36
Total 33 12 8 13 36.36

Personal life

Solano was arrested by police in the Gosforth area of Newcastle on 26 April 2010, on allegations of raping a 22-year-old woman from the city.[46] After a thorough investigation by the Northumbria Police, no further action was taken when allegations turned out to be false.[47]

Honours

Team

Sporting Cristal

Newcastle United

Universitario de Deportes

National Team

Individual

References

  1. ↑ Howey, Martin (21 May 1999). "Salano Tunes Of Glory". The Mirror (London). Retrieved 4 August 2008.
  2. ↑ Hill, Graham (1 February 2004). "Diego made me a star – ace Solano". Sunday Mercury (Birmingham). "Solano is a hero in Peru where his face appears in TV adverts. The 29-year-old winger is such a household name there that even his wedding was televised live."
  3. ↑ "Solano's tune army". icNewcastle. Retrieved 27 May 2007.
  4. 1 2 Walker, Michael (10 January 2004). "Solano blows his own trumpet". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 10 June 2007.
  5. ↑ "Solano's Boca dream". Sky Sports. 24 September 2004. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  6. ↑ Soccerbase – Nolberto Solano
  7. ↑ "Sol Bids Farewell To Toon". Newcastle United F.C. 1 September 2007. Archived from the original on 23 October 2007.
  8. ↑ "Solano signs for Villa". BBC Sport. 30 January 2004. Retrieved 6 June 2008.
  9. ↑ "Nobby blames Bobby for exit". Sky Sports. 11 September 2005. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  10. ↑ "Leicester 0–5 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. 31 January 2004. Retrieved 23 January 2010.
  11. ↑ "Aston Villa: 2004/05: Player Appearances". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 June 2012.
  12. ↑ Howell, Bill (10 May 2005). "Nobby rues Villa gaffes". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 5 June 2012.
  13. ↑ Pearson, James (25 August 2005). "Hughes: I'm no cheat". Sky Sports. Retrieved 5 June 2012.
  14. ↑ Buckingham, Mark (2 September 2005). "Solano shunned Reds". Sky Sports. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  15. ↑ "Solano makes return to Newcastle". BBC Sport. 31 August 2005. Retrieved 5 June 2012.
  16. ↑ Kendall, Mark (4 September 2005). "Nobby: Al crucial in my return". Sky Sports. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  17. ↑ "Solano fancies Magpies stay". Sky Sports. 14 January 2007. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  18. ↑ "Solano linked to West Ham switch". BBC Sport. 14 August 2007. Retrieved 6 June 2008.
  19. ↑ Dall, James (4 September 2007). "Nobby's trophy regret". Sky Sports. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  20. ↑ "West Ham sign Solano and Camara". BBC Sport. 31 August 2007. Retrieved 6 June 2008.
  21. ↑ Lillywhite, James (21 October 2007). "West Ham 3–1 Sunderland". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 June 2008.
  22. ↑ "Derby County 0–5 West Ham United". whufc.com. Retrieved 10 November 2007.
  23. ↑ "West Ham release veteran Solano". BBC Sport. 12 June 2008. Retrieved 12 June 2008.
  24. ↑ "Solano in Galaxy talks". Sky Sports. 22 July 2008. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  25. ↑ Paraskevas, Chris (11 August 2008). "Solano Signs For Larissa". Goal.com. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  26. ↑ "Nolberto Solano stars as titles are decided across South America". Guardian.co.uk. Reuters. 14 December 2009. Retrieved 5 June 2012.
  27. ↑ "Nolberto Solano trains with Colchester United". BBC Sport. 22 December 2009. Retrieved 5 June 2012.
  28. ↑ "Solano training with Magpies". Sky Sports. 18 January 2010. Retrieved 23 January 2010.
  29. ↑ "Leicester sign former Newcastle winger Nolberto Solano". BBC Sport. 22 January 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2012.
  30. ↑ "Leicester 0–0 Newcastle". BBC Sport. 30 January 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2012.
  31. ↑ Shuttleworth, Peter (12 May 2010). "Cardiff 2–3 Leicester (agg 3–3)". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 May 2010.
  32. ↑ "Defender Wayne Brown and midfielder Nolberto Solano quit Leicester City". This is Leicestershire. 7 July 2010. Retrieved 9 July 2010.
  33. ↑ "HULL CITY: Solano hails 'perfect boss' – Peru star was happy to follow". This is Hull and East Riding. 24 July 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2012.
  34. ↑ "HULL CITY: Solano and Harper agree deals". Hull Daily Mail. 10 July 2010. Archived from the original on 15 July 2010. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  35. ↑ "HULL CITY: Nobby looks for new role – and an extended stay with Tigers". Hull Daily Mail. 9 April 2010. Retrieved 9 April 2010.
  36. ↑ "Pools Make Sensational Swoop For Solano". Hartlepool United F.C. 13 May 2011. Retrieved 13 May 2010.
  37. ↑ "Hartlepool boss Cooper has no place for Nolberto Solano". BBC Sport. 19 January 2012. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  38. ↑ "Illness ends campaign for Hartlepool's Nolberto Solano". BBC Sports. 12 April 2012. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  39. 1 2 "Nolberto Solano retires to coach Newcastle Benfield". BBC Sport. 2 February 2012. Retrieved 2 February 2012.
  40. ↑ Solano Ends Peru Career Sky Sports 3 October 2009
  41. ↑ "Nolberto Solano: 'Estoy orgulloso de llegar nuevamente a Universitario'" [Nolberto Solano: 'I'm proud to be back at Universitario'] (in Spanish). Club Universitario de Deportes. 4 June 2012. Retrieved 5 June 2012.
  42. ↑ "Nobby Solano's First Managerial Role At Universitario In Peru Comes to an End". Sky. 12 December 2012. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
  43. ↑ "Nolberto Solano Career Stats". Soccerbase. 19 September 2010. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  44. ↑ "Nolberto Solano". National Football Teams. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  45. ↑ "Player – Nolberto Solano". footballdatabase.eu. Retrieved 22 May 2012.
  46. ↑ "Leicester and ex-Newcastle star Solano in rape probe". BBC Sport. 27 April 2010. Retrieved 28 June 2010.
  47. ↑ "No further action over Solano rape accusation". BBC Sport. 27 June 2010. Retrieved 28 June 2010.
  48. ↑ South American Team of the Year
  49. ↑ South American Player of the Year 1997
  50. ↑ Ñol, The king of free kick
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