With just 32 days to go until our first ever game we’re delighted to announce the signing of three international visa players.
They are; Luis Felipe Gallegos, 32; Louis Verstraete, 25; and Guillermo May, 26. The trio will bring quality and experience to the team.
Luis Felipe Gallegos is a highly-decorated Chilean centre midfielder joining the Black Knights from Greek Super League team OFI Crete FC.
Partnering him in the centre of midfield is Louis Verstraete, a former Belgium U21 international that has come through the Gent academy.
And up top it gets exciting with the addition of Uruguayan striker, Guillermo May. May arrives having played in the top leagues of both Uruguay and Argentina, as well as enjoying a spell in Spain early on in his career.
Also unveiled today was our new away white away kit featuring new front of shirt sponsor, Go Media – a key commercial sponsor of Auckland FC. Now on sale, the kit design uses a clever motif that takes design cues from Auckland’s unique volcanic topography.
Head Coach Steve Corica was delighted to introduce his three new players and shared what he thought each would bring to the team.
“Luis is an incredibly experienced number six. He’s played almost 400 professional games, won a heap of silverware, has a great range of passing both short and long, and I’m delighted we were able to bring a player of his calibre to the club,” says Corica.
“Louis is a bit younger but he’s a similar player. A very intelligent midfielder, very organised and a natural leader. Another great addition to our team.
“And then there is Guillermo. He’s a very technical, creative striker with great movement. He will be looking to link up with the midfield, to drop back if needed and make those clever runs that get the ball into the opposition box and create goal scoring chances – either for him or his team mates.”
Both Gallegos and May have had impressive careers. Gallegos has won three Chilean Championships, one Mexican Super Cup, one Mexican Cup and one Copa Sudamericana. May has won the Uruguayan Super Cup and the Under-20 Copa Libertadores, both during his time with Club Nacional.
“Today’s a huge day for Auckland FC and Auckland. I’m pleased to be able to welcome our three new additions and am really proud of the team we have built.
“Just like Auckland this is a diverse team that mixes local talent with some international stars. We now have in place a team of players we can all get behind, to celebrate and cheer on come October,” says Auckland FC CEO, Nick Becker.
“And a huge thanks to Go Media. They have been with us from the start and their support has been invaluable. I’m sure you will all agree the away kit looks excellent.”
The white kit takes inspiration from Auckland’s iconic volcanic landscape. With over 50 dormant volcanoes shaping the city’s terrain, the kit reflects the natural beauty and power that defines the city.
Tickets for Auckland FCs first home match on Saturday 19 October against the Brisbane Roar are on sale now!
Luis Felipe Gallegos
Age: 32
Position: Centre Midfield
Last Club: OFI Crete FC, Greece
Nationality: Chilean
Experience: 389 Professional games. 3 Chilean championships, one Mexican Super Cup and one Copa Sudamericana.
“Coming to Auckland FC is a great opportunity for me. I want to make my mark on the league and become a player the fans remember. Steve and Terry really sold me on the vision they have for the club and the city in general. It is very beautiful and I can’t wait to get out and see more of it.
Luis Felipe Gallegos
Louis Verstraete
Age: 25
Position: Centre Midfield
Last Club: SK Beveren
Nationality: Belgain
Experience: 146 professional games.
“Auckland FC is a new beginning for me and I’m very excited to see what the team is about and to meet with the players. There is a lot of excitement in the city for the club, I’ve really noticed that and to be part of something so new is quite special.”
Louis Verstraete
Guillermo May
Age: 26
Position: Striker
Last Club: CA Newell’s Old Boys
Nationality: Uruguay
Experience: 161 professional games, 39 goals, 11 assists, Uruguayan Super Cup, U20 Copa Libertadores.
“So far the reception I have received has been excellent. I’m pleased to come here, to experience a new culture and a new city and play with an entirely new team. It’s an exciting time for me, the fans and the city.”
Guillermo May
