Arnold, Argentine Inspired

Central Coast Mariners have just announced what they hope could be the biggest signing in their short history. Argentine Under 20’s World Cup winner Patricio Perez will be joining the New South Wales side for the next two seasons.




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Perez was being chased by clubs from both Portugal and Greece but said he chose the Mariners when coach Graham Arnold “took him seriously... coming to visit in Argentina”. Though still learning English he was quick to sing the praises of the A-League saying “I’m looking forward to the challenge... (it’s) a major league and is expanding.”

Along with the success with his National Youth Side in 2005, he has played for various South American clubs most notably winning the Argentine Primera Division with Velez Sarsfield, along with stints with highly regarded Everton Chile and Mexican Side Club León.

Perez, a creative attacking midfielder with an eye for goal will be hoping to emulate the feats of his countrymen showing strength and a great work ethic (something his childhood friend Carlos Tévez is renowned for worldwide), and also hope to create a name for himself outside of Argentina, just as some of his former team mates have done in regards to Manchester City’s Tévez and Pablo Zabaleta, Lazio’s Mauro Zárate and Argentine Internationals Jonás Gutiérrez and Lional Messi.

As with any new signing, there is no guarantee of great performance or stardom, but all signs and pedigree point to this being one of the A-League’s top signings this season, and Mariners fans will be salivating in anticipation of seeing this pint-sized Argentine strut his stuff at Bluetongue this coming season.