Solano Ends Career Back Home!

Last updated : 06 January 2009 By Footy Mad - Editor

The 34-year-old former Newcastle, Aston Villa and West Ham winger was an instant success at St James' Park.

Signed from Boca Juniors in July 1998 for £2.5m the Peruvian international also played for Universitario's arch-rivals Sporting Cristal between 1994 and 1997.

Sir Bobby Robson surprised us all when he sold him in the summer of 2004 to Aston Villa, yet Souness tried to buy him back in January 2005 - and finally did get him in the summer of that year.

He moved to Greek club Larissa after West Ham ended his contract last year.

He never achieved his lifelong ambition of playing in the Spanish League, although Barcelona did run the rule over him back in 2000.

Solano: "I like ambitious, serious projects and Universitario are heading that way.

"I am also excited about playing in the Copa Libertadores this year and because I know Juan (Reynoso) very well and I know he will be good for the club.

"My idea is to play two years for Universitario, win the local league and do a good job in the Copa Libertadores.

"Then, I will probably retire by playing at the Estadio Monumental (Universitario's home stadium).

"Then I will study to be a coach, probably in Argentina."