Auckland FC has completed its inaugural A-League Men’s team with the signing of 27-year-old attacking midfielder, Neyder Moreno.
The Colombian is the Black Knights’s 26th and final signing ahead of the team’s first-ever professional game against Brisbane Roar on Saturday, October 19.
Moreno has played almost 200 professional games, most recently for Colombian top-tier team Atlético Nacional, scoring 31 goals.
He also becomes the club’s third South American signing, following the arrival of Uruguayan striker, Guillermo May and Chilean centre midfielder, Luis Felipe Gallegos, a fortnight ago.
With just 5 days to go until the club’s first game, Head Coach Steve Corica is looking forward to training with a full squad.
“This is a great team that is hungry to achieve and I’m pleased to have Neyder become a part of it,” said Corica.
“Neyder is a very fast, technical player that loves to dribble one-v-one against defenders. He is going to cause a lot of problems for the opposition and I’m keen to see how he links up with the likes of May, Max and the rest of the team.
“It’s great to finally have the full squad together. We really feel like a team now and there is a lot of excitement ahead of the game against the Roar.”
Moreno arrives in Auckland having played all his football in Columbia, winning both the Colombian Cup & Colombian Super Cup.
“Coming to Auckland is a big opportunity for me, it is a chance to experience a new country, a new team and a new league. New Zealand is a very popular country with Colombians,” says Moreno.
“The team and the club have so far made me feel very welcome. I’m eager to get to know the team better and start playing some football.”
CEO Nick Becker said he was now fully focused on creating an incredible atmosphere for the first game.
“You’ve seen the signings, you’ve brought the hype. Now it’s time for Auckland to get behind the team and get to the Go Media Stadium for our game against the Brisbane Roar.
“Our goal is to sell the stadium out and I’m pleased to say we’re getting very close. We and our supporters group have a lot planned for that first game so now is not the time to sit on the fence when it comes to tickets. You only get one first game, one chance to say ‘I was there’, so get in quick.”
Auckland FC is majority-owned by Bill Foley, with Ali Williams, Anna Mowbray, Tim Brown, Noah Hickey, and Winston Reid as local co-owners. AFC will play their home games at Go Media Mt Smart Stadium.
Tickets for Auckland FCs first home match on Saturday 19 October are on sale now!
