Fernando Torres is not exactly a popular figure in Manchester – he scored numerous times for Liverpool against Manchester United and recently helped Chelsea to victory over Manchester City.
There is, however, one Spanish number nine who is very much accepted in Manchester.
Lucas Quintana endeared himself to the watching Mancunians by scoring a first half hat-trick for Manchester Futsal Club as they beat strugglers F.S Derby Willows 7-4 at the Manchester Velodrome on Sunday.
Victory in their first home game of the season kept Manchester top of the FA National Futsal League North Table and Head coach Frank Chiarella was full of praise for Quintana.
“Lucas is class, he’s a great addition to the team, and he’s a fantastic player,” said Chiarella.
“It was good to be back (at home), it was a great turn out (from the fans).”
Indeed the home crowd were treated to a dominant display with Paul Thompson, Ed Bryers, Aidan Hilditch and Sam Richardson all on the score-sheet, but it was the Spanish assassin who stole the show.
Unfortunately Quintana was not confident enough in his English to speak to MM but his team-mates were quick to heap on some more praise.
“He’s played futsal back in Spain, so he knows the game. He’s only new to the team but he’s adapted well and he’s a nice guy,” said Ilya Ovechkin, who set-up three of the Manchester goals.
The Spaniard’s third goal was owed much to the dazzling footwork of Dutchman Raudicio King in the build up play.
“Lucas is a good finisher, you can tell he’s from Spain,” said King, who is in his second spell at the club after playing 11-a-side in the Dutch third tier for SWZ.
“I love playing futsal, (particularly) the attacking bit where it is one-versus-one so I can apply my Dutch skills in the futsal game,” King added.
Meanwhile Russian-born Ovechkin, who helped chairman Simon Wright set up the club seven years ago, told MM that his team were never worried, even when they went 1-0 down.
“When we go a goal down it doesn’t affect us at all, we just pick ourselves up,” said Ovechkin.
“In futsal you can be 3-0 down but then within two or three minutes you could be winning 4-3.”
“It was nice for the Manchester people to come and witness the game and we’ve got another home game next week so futsal is back now.”
Image courtesy of Marc Taylor, with thanks.
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