REAL MADRID
Caicedo’s Real Madrid move an “important step” for Colombian football - national coach
The head coach of the Colombian women’s national team, Nelson Abadía, says Linda Caicedo’s transfer to Real Madrid is a historic moment.
Nelson Abadía, the head coach of Colombia’s women’s national team, says Linda Caicedo’s move to Real Madrid is a major moment in the South American country’s footballing history.
Spanish giants Madrid confirmed the signing of Caicedo on Friday, having fought off competition from a host of other top European clubs to secure the 18-year-old forward’s services.
Caicedo move to Real Madrid “terrific to see”
“Only four [Colombian] players have been at Real Madrid - three men and now one woman,” Abadía told an interview with the Colombian radio station Caracol.
“It’s an important step forward for Colombian football - not just the women’s game, but Colombian football in general. It’s really significant that Linda is making this kind of impact on the game. From the point of view of Colombian women’s football, it’s terrific to see.”
Caicedo’s Madrid switch takes the number of Colombians playing in the Liga F, Spain’s elite women’s domestic division, to eight. Liced Serna and Ivonne Chacón (both Valencia), Catalina Pérez (Real Betis), Mayra Ramírez (Levante), Manuela Vanegas (Real Sociedad), Gisela Robledo (Tenerife) and Leicy Santos (Atlético Madrid) also ply their trade in the Spanish top flight.
When could Caicedo make her Real Madrid debut?
Caicedo could make her first appearance for Madrid next weekend, when the Liga F resumes after the international break. Alberto Toril’s side - who sit second, five points behind leaders Barcelona - visit Alhama on Saturday 4 March.