With the hope of the first call-up, the defender of Deportivo Municipal, Adrián Zela, arrived at Videna to work with Ricardo Gareca's group thinking about the match against New Zealand for a spot in the 2018 World Cup.
The center back commented on how much he fought for this call-up to happen at such an important moment for Peruvian soccer. "Obviously a call-up brings me a lot of joy. It is a personal goal that I have had for a long time, and now it is happening in this very important situation," he explained.
The atmosphere at Videna is very positive and Zela has caught that spirit as he experiences his first call-up to the senior national team. "They have received me very well, welcomed me, it is a very pleasant environment and I already knew many of them," Zela commented.
A formidable opponent. "A lot is said about New Zealand in that regard, but I don't believe they are only strong in aerial play. They have many other characteristics and abilities that make them successful in their respective leagues where they play. They are an opponent that we have to be careful with," said the 28-year-old player to sports media.
Zela was part of the squad that played in the 2009 South American U-20 Championship in Venezuela. At that time, the team was coached by Tito Chumpitaz and featured players like Reimond Manco, Orlando La Torre, Luis Trujillo, and Alonso Bazalar.
