After four and a half years in Europe, the Mexican midfielder is back in Liga MX and reunites with the coach who helped shape the best years of his career.
Orbelín Pineda is already in Monterrey to reunite with Matías Almeyda
Orbelín Pineda has officially been unveiled as a new Monterrey player and is already in Nuevo León, where he’ll reunite with one of the most influential coaches of his career – Matías Almeyda.
The Mexican midfielder arrived in Monterrey on Monday, July 21, to join his new teammates and begin training. The move also marks another chapter in his long-running partnership with Almeyda, who previously coached him at both Chivas and Greek side AEK Athens.
Almeyda had publicly praised Pineda in recent days and reportedly pushed for Monterrey to sign the 29-year-old. Now reunited once again, Pineda made it clear the admiration is mutual.
“I’ll always be grateful,” Pineda said upon arriving at Monterrey International Airport. “I’ve known Matías for many years. He knows how I feel about him. He’s a hardworking person who always wants more. He already knows how much I appreciate him. We’ve come to a team that wants to achieve big things, and we want to give our very best and bring joy to these fans because they deserve it.”
The pair already have a proven track record together, having won titles during their time with both Chivas and AEK. They’ll now try to replicate that success with Monterrey, a club Pineda believes should compete for championships every season.
“I’m here to work and do my part,” he added. “We know this team has important players, and I’m just one more of them. This is all about teamwork. I want to help my teammates and help this club become one of the protagonists.”
Pineda returns to Liga MX after four and a half years in Europe. He spent six months with Celta Vigo before enjoying a four-year spell with AEK Athens. Before moving overseas, he played for Querétaro, Guadalajara and Cruz Azul.
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