Vela free to join Gunners

Striker granted permission to play in England

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 21st May 2008

Vela free to join Gunners

Vela: Starting new chapter

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Carlos Vela has received clearance to begin his belated Arsenal career and will be with the squad for pre-season training.

The Mexican international signed a five-year contract with the Gunners in November 2005, but was barred from joining up with his new team-mates by Fifa legislation.

As a result, he has been forced to spend the last few years on loan in Spain with Celta Vigo, Salamanca and Osasuna.

However, with Arsene Wenger keen to bring the teenager into the first-team fold at Emirates Stadium, he has finally been grated a work permit to play in England.

"Despite the critics that we have received for making Carlos play at Celta Vigo, Salamanca and Osasuna, these spells have been very important for preparing for life in the Premier League," said Vela's agent Eduardo Hernandez.

Permission

"His time in Spain has now come to a close and he is just waiting for his passport.

"He has worked the amount of time required by the Premier League and everything is going fine.

"He has been granted permission to play and will be joining Arsenal in July for the beginning of pre-season training.

"Many people have criticised us for the way this process has been handled but the laws of Fifa and the rules of competition in some countries have meant that we have experienced some problems.

"But they are over now and a new chapter in his career can begin."