Broadcast on the Jumbotron following the Chicago Fire’s 1-0 loss to the New England Revolution, was the signing of 26-year old Mexican Forward Nery Castillo. He comes to the team on loan from the Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine. He also has the option to make the transfer permanent.
Many thought Cuauhtemoc Blanco’s name would be announced Saturday night, but technical director Frank Klopas thinks the team made the right decision by going with Castillos.
“Blanco’s relationship with the Fire will continue whether he’s here or not. His heart is in Chicago,” Klopas said. “We had to make the move that was best for the team.”
By: Justin Mertes-Mistretta
Basically what Klopas is saying, is that while they appreciate what Blanco has done for the organization, the Fire doesn’t need a 37-year old who can only play half a game. They need a young talent, who can bring success for the future. Castillo may just be that guy.
Before his time at Shakhtar, Castillo made a name for himself in the 2007 Copa America, helping Mexico finish third by scoring four goals throughout the tournament. However, things went downhill from there for Castillo.
Castillo’s time with Shakhtar was short and disappointing to say the least. He went scoreless in his first seven games. On his eighth game, Castillo snatched the ball away from his teammate during a free-kick and took the shot himself. Castillo was substituted out of the game immediately and never played for Shakhtar again. Since then, little has been heard of from Castillo.
The biggest question mark surrounding Castillo, as he prepares to play for the Fire, is will his history of attitude problems be a detriment to the team.
“I’m not concerned with his history of attitude problems,” head coach Carlos de los Cabos said. “He has a strong personality and strong temper, which will help our team.”
What the Fire are lacking right now is just that, fire. While many experts have pegged Castillo as overrated, he is still a fairly young player at 26-years old. If he can stay healthy and mature a bit, he could turn out to be exactly what the Fire need as they look to get back to their winning ways.
Read more articles from Justin Mertes-Mistretta here.