As the 2023 Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season and Inter Miami CF’s fourth season in the league inches closer, the Club has further strengthened its ranks with the acquisition of Nicolás Stefanelli from Swedish powerhouse AIK Fotboll. The versatile Argentine attacker showcased his excitement to hit the ground running with Inter Miami in the latest stage in his career after racking up over 60 goals and 20 assists in over 200 matches in top UEFA and CONMEBOL competitions.
“I’m very happy for this new opportunity in my career to join an important club like Inter Miami that has high aspirations ahead of the upcoming season. I’m going to work hard for the team and aim to achieve important objectives this year,” said Stefanelli.
The 28-year-old Quilmes, Argentina native, who is widely known as “Chicho”, then stated his individual and team goals in 2023 as he faces the challenge of settling into a new environment in a new league.
“I know that it is a competitive league with many great players. Playing on the road or at home against any team is tough, it is a tough and competitive league. I’m focused on having a strong preseason to be ready to give it my all when the season starts… Individually I always seek to show my best version and showcase my virtues and best facet as a fútbol player on the pitch to help the team win matches. Fútbol is about winning matches and as an individual you always have to focus on helping the team do well. As a group, it's always nice to start a new season and have goals set; one dreams of going all the way in the playoffs. But, first one has to focus on having a good preseason and then go from match to match, facing one match at a time in search of achieving objectives.”
Stefanelli’s signing will give a valuable boost to the team’s strong attacking unit, providing head coach Phil Neville with a plethora of options when picking his starting XI as he can be deployed in various different positions on the pitch.
“I’m an explosive player and I can adapt to many positions on the pitch. I’ve played in various systems and in different positions, and I can do it without any issues and I don’t have a favorite position. I can play as a false nine, on either wing, in midfield…,” he detailed.
“I’m a player that is going to make sacrifices for the team, that will run, both defensively and in attack, that will recover balls and that for most of his career played as a forward, so when I see an opportunity to shoot on goal or assist a teammate I will do so. I’m a player that has enjoyed fútbol since my childhood and that will make sacrifices for the team on the pitch.”
Lastly, “Chicho” had a message for the Club’s loyal fanbase, who he’s itching to meet after watching videos of the incredible atmosphere they bring to DRV PNK Stadium on matchdays.
“I like the atmosphere that the fans generate, it is a kind of atmosphere that I haven’t experienced in a long time, and for a player on the pitch it provides extra energy that motivates you… My message for the fans is for them to be sure that I will work for the club, for the team, so that we are united and can achieve important goals this year,” he concluded.
