MONTREAL – The Belizean Willian is now part of the club.
During preseason, Michael Salazar’s teammates gave him a nickname inspired by the Chelsea player due to his hair – and his play, too. And it won’t stop now. Salazar signed his first professional contract with the Impact on Tuesday morning, and technical director Adam Braz was delighted to make the announcement.
“He deserves his contract,” Braz told the Montreal media. “He did very well in preseason, and his integration to the team was good. He showed his qualities to the technical staff. We’re glad he has signed. Now, it’s up to him to prove that he deserves minutes. It’s his first step as a professional.”
Salazar was just as elated, admitting that a dream had just come true.
“I’ve been working hard for this my entire career,” Salazar said. “I’m very honoured and humbled to be here. Hopefully, it’s going to be a great journey for my rookie year and I can help the team.”
Salazar, who scored one goal during preseason, charmed the Montreal staff with his technique which, Braz pointed out, allows him to get out of tight spaces on the field.
“He’s explosive,” Braz added. “He listens to advice and applies the advice on the field. It’s always a great thing for a young player.”
Added Salazar: “They said they liked my work rate every single time I come into training camp. They said to just keep displaying the same thing every single day. Don’t change your attitude.”
While Salazar can play on the wing, like the Brazilian Willian, he can also play up top.
“He’s versatile, Braz said. He showed that in friendlies. It’s great for the staff to know that he can play both positions.”
