One to Watch #63: Petro Botelho

Last updated : 22 October 2010 By Dan Buxton

Name:  Pedro Botelho

Date of Birth:  14/12/89

Position: Full Back (Left)

Club:  Cartagena (on loan from Arsenal)

Previous clubs: Galicia, Figueirense, Salamanca, Celta Vigo

International caps:  None

Botelho is a pacy full back who can also play as a left winger
(similar to man of the moment Gareth Bale), he began his professional
playing career at Figueirense before signing a deal with Arsenal in
July 2007 which saw him move in the January 2008.  Upon arriving at
the Emirates Botelho was sent straight back out on loan to Spanish
second division side Salamanca, as he did not fulfil the quota for a
work permit in England.

Botelho was then sent on loan back to the Salamanca in the summer of
2008 but his move was cut short due to differences with the clubs
coaching staff.  He spent the remainder of the 2008/2009 season
training with Arsenal’s youth team but was unable to play as he still
didn’t qualify for a work permit. In July 2009 he was once again sent
to the Spanish second division, this time with Celta Vigo where he
spent the remainder of the season, helping them to knock out
Villarreal in the Copa del Rey.

Arsenal’s application for a work permit for the youngster were again
denied in the 2010/2011 season, which resulted in Botelho being sent
back to the Spanish second division for a fourth time, where he is
currently playing for FC Cartagena.