NOBBY Solano insists playing in League One next season holds no worries.
The former Newcastle United favourite turned down a new deal in the Championship with Hull City to return to the North-East and sign for Hartlepool United.
Since moving to England in 1998, his playing days have been spent in the Premier League and Championship, while he also has chalked up 95 international caps for Peru.
League One may prove a different style to what he is used to, but the 36-year-old can’t wait to get started with his new teammates.
“It doesn’t matter how the organisation of the team is, you play League One, Premier League, League Two, the Championship or whatever, the passion is still there,’’ he said.
“The expectation is there for Hartlepool and since I signed already people are talking of Hartlepool United.
“I understand that the level and division will be different to what I have done before, but football is the same – 11 v 11 and the ball is there to play with.
“Playing here is not a problem.’’
Solano worked under Pools’ first-team coach Mick Wadsworth at Newcastle and they pair up again at Victoria Park.
“I know they (the club) have ambitions and they want to do well and so do I,’’ he added.
“Football is always a challenge, if you get your head right it is nice to meet the challenge.
“Mick has been around the game a long time and I know him well. The club is not too far from Newcastle, so there are a lot of good things for me.
“The main thing I like is that my friends are in Newcastle and I want to play, I am happy to play and train here every day.’’
Solano left Tyneside for Aston Villa in 2004, but returned a year later, making a further 58 appearances before heading for West Ham, Greece, Peru and back to England with Leicester and then Hull.
He added: “Everyone dreams to finish their football in the Premier League, but for me, three or four years ago I took the decision to move around. Maybe it was a bad decision but I always wanted to finish my career in England.’’
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