Sunderland youngster Juan Riquelme Angulo has spent the weekend talking back home about a pretty significant moment in his young career.
The 18-year-old made his senior Ecuador debut against South Korea last week. A few days later, with the national team still together in Asia, he has now reflected on the occasion.
Angulo only had around 23 minutes on the pitch, but managed to make himself noticed. He had two shots – one of those efforts was even cleared off the line! – completed every pass he attempted and even recovered the ball once in the final third.
Now the Sunderland youngster has explained just how much those few minutes meant to him.
Sunderland youngster on fulfilling his dream
El Universo has covered Angulo’s comments from Ecuador’s camp this weekend.
“That was a beautiful moment for me. I fulfilled my dream of playing for my country,” the Sunderland youngster said.
He was handed his debut by Marcelo Gallardo, who has only recently taken charge of Ecuador.
“Coach Gallardo gave me the opportunity. I called my family and they are very proud of me.”
Diario Extra and Diario Expreso have also carried the youngster’s comments following that first appearance. Angulo explained exactly what he did once the match was over.
“It was beautiful because I had been dreaming about it, until finally that dream came true. The first thing I did was speak to my family, who were very happy for me.”
There was also a nice bit of symbolism attached to his debut. Angulo wore Ecuador’s number 13 shirt. That number was worn for years by Enner Valencia, the country’s all-time leading goalscorer.
The Sunderland youngster didn’t even know beforehand that he would be getting it.
“I honestly didn’t know they were going to give me that number, but for me it was an honour to wear it. I’m proud to have that number.”
Wants to become Ecuador’s striker
Angulo is clearly aiming beyond being part of the senior squad. Ecuador have been looking for goals, and the Sunderland youngster was asked about potentially becoming part of the solution.
“Yes, I’m preparing myself to bring joy to the country. I’m doing things in the best possible way for that, to be the striker for La Tri.”
His first cameo at least offered some encouragement. And of course the youngster is also having to deal with plenty of change away from the pitch.
He moved from Independiente del Valle to Sunderland this year and is now travelling across Asia with Ecuador. Angulo told the Ecuadorian media that the changes in time zones have been taking their toll, although he’s ready for the challenge.
His attention now remains with the national team and their next match on October 1.
