Less than two weeks remain for the Peruvian national team to face the play-offs for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, so Ricardo Gareca called up several players to face this decisive match, prior to that, they will face New Zealand in a friendly. They have already defeated New Zealand in the qualification for Russia 2018, a match in which several of today's called-up players participated, but there are those who have disappeared from the 'Tigre's' radar, like Adrian Zela.
The Peruvian defender received the trust of the Argentine coach to provide an alternative in the defense against the Kiwis. His good performances in Deportivo Municipal led to his call-up.
In the first leg, in Wellington, he did not play; but in Lima, with the score 2-0 in favor of Peru, he came on as a substitute for Christian Cueva in the 86th minute and celebrated with the fans at the National Stadium.
Zela's peculiar celebration after qualifying for the World Cup with Peru. Photo: La Republica
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After that great joy, the 'Pitbull' was not considered for the World Cup, but he continued for another season with Deportivo Municipal. However, he did not continue to stand out as he did before, he was involved in non-football cases and changed clubs up to three times.
The last team he played for was Deportivo Binacional in the 2021 season. He was relegated with the Juliaca team, but the decision of the TAS reinstated them in the first division.
Where is Adrian Zela now?
After playing for the Powerful of the South, he did not find a team for this 2022 and is currently a free agent. But one of his passions is supporting the national team, as he was present in the 'Barranquillazo' against Colombia, as well as in Montevideo for the match against Uruguay and at the National Stadium for the match against Paraguay.
It is unknown whether he will be in talks to return to the field. But, as was already known, he remains active in the jewelry industry, where he is part of the management team of Diamante Peru.
Adrian Zela, his father, and his brother, part of the management team of Diamante Peru. Photo: Diamante Peru
Teams that Adrian Zela played for
- 2007-2009: Bolognesi
- 2010: Universitario
- 2013: Lima Cricket
- 2014-2019: Deportivo Municipal
- 2020: Sport Boys
- 2020: Sport Chavelines
- 2021: Deportivo Binacional.