A Deeper Look At the Fire's Mid-Season Additions: Nery Castillo
By Ben Schuman Stoler in News on Aug 4, 2010 8:20PM
We discussed Freddie Ljungberg, the Fire’s other major midseason addition, earlier today.
Nery Castillo has a history packed with talent, controversy, and unfulfilled potential. Hailed since he was 16 years old as the next big thing for Mexico, Castillo’s never quite gotten there. He spent most of his professional career in Greece, going to Olympiakos for a whopping £20 million in 2000, but he hasn’t lived up to it. His stock stays high, though, and transfers to big clubs (Manchester United, Inter Milan, Chivas) were thwarted because of logistical or communication issues on at least three different occasions. He ended up being just the second Mexican ever to play in the EPL after his recent loan spell at Manchester City.
His form with the Mexican national team has followed his disappointing club form. Scoring just six goals in 21 appearances, he was left off this summer's World Cup squad. Apparently, he was more comfortable coming to the States this year than going back home because of his contentious relationship with the press. They’re quite harsh on him and his nighttime activities, despite his star role in the 2007 Copa America. Some say he deserves it. After all, this is the same guy who refused to let a teammate take a penalty kick…and then missed it himself.
That said, there is no doubt that he has the raw skill to make a difference in the MLS - really, look - but he'll have to keep his discipline.