Vela green light for Gunners
22 May 2008 - 08:59:54
Arsenal will have Mexican teenager Carlos Vela in their squad for next season after he was granted a work permit.
The 19-year-old, who has already made three international appearances for Mexico, joined the Gunners from Guadalajara in 2005.
He spent last season on loan at Spanish top-flight side Osasuna following similar spells with other European clubs, but will be part of the first-team squad at the Emirates Stadium next season after requiring the necessary paperwork.
"Despite the critics that we have received for making Carlos play at Celta Vigo, Salamanca and Osasuna, these spells have been very important for preparing for life in the Premier League," said the player's agent Eduardo Hernandez.
"He has worked the amount of time required by the Premier League and everything is going fine.
"He has been granted permission to play and will be joining Arsenal in July for the beginning of pre-season training.
"Many people have criticised us for the way this process has been handled, but the laws of FIFA and the rules of competition in some countries have meant that we have experienced some problems.
"But they are over now and a new chapter in his career can begin."
