Real Madrid has just signed a 7-year-old soccer prodigy from Argentina...man, that kid is going to be self conscious in the locker room.
Leonel Angel Coira signed with the Spanish club and will begin training September 6th, a team spokesman said, though he did not elaborate what can a 7-year-old possibly train for. As good as he may be, he's not going to see field time for another decade, so basically this is a publicity stunt, right? Well, basically yes. He signed a one-year renewable deal and won't receive any salary, plus he'll only be eligible to play for the pro squad once he turns 16.
Coira's idol is Lionel Messi, a Barcelona forward who is also Argentine shares the nickname Leo. The team reportedly made the push to sign Coira because Spanish league rival Atletico Madrid was also pursuing him. Barcelona signed Messi as a teenager, and he has won the World Player of the Year award twice, as well as helped Barcelona win 15 trophies, including three Champions League titles and five Spanish league championships. Apparently they feel Coira could one day reach Messi's talent.
It all just reminds me of that hilarious Mr. Show sketch about child recruiters, which now has become frighteningly prophetic. I'm sure the kid is good, even better than his peers, but good enough to sign with a pro team? Can you tell at age seven? He'll be playing against eight and nine year olds, which doesn't sound like a a real challenge for his skills...if he's that good, let him play 12-year-olds!
Leonel Angel Coira signed with the Spanish club and will begin training September 6th, a team spokesman said, though he did not elaborate what can a 7-year-old possibly train for. As good as he may be, he's not going to see field time for another decade, so basically this is a publicity stunt, right? Well, basically yes. He signed a one-year renewable deal and won't receive any salary, plus he'll only be eligible to play for the pro squad once he turns 16.
Coira's idol is Lionel Messi, a Barcelona forward who is also Argentine shares the nickname Leo. The team reportedly made the push to sign Coira because Spanish league rival Atletico Madrid was also pursuing him. Barcelona signed Messi as a teenager, and he has won the World Player of the Year award twice, as well as helped Barcelona win 15 trophies, including three Champions League titles and five Spanish league championships. Apparently they feel Coira could one day reach Messi's talent.
It all just reminds me of that hilarious Mr. Show sketch about child recruiters, which now has become frighteningly prophetic. I'm sure the kid is good, even better than his peers, but good enough to sign with a pro team? Can you tell at age seven? He'll be playing against eight and nine year olds, which doesn't sound like a a real challenge for his skills...if he's that good, let him play 12-year-olds!
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