Sunderland star caught in red tape limbo
Red tape is holding up the arrival of Cristian Riveros at Sunderland.
He's facing frustrating delays that countryman Paulo Da Silva experienced when he joined the Black Cats last year as the Paraguayan authorities work through the paperwork.
Sunderland are relaxed about the slight hold up as Riveros (pictured) was due to join up late with his new team-mates anyway after his involvement in the World Cup finals.
Da Silva also got extra time off, but is now back training with Steve Bruce's men while midfielder Riveros, signed for the Black Cats on a Bosman free transfer in June, is keeping fit by linking up with Paraguayan top-flight outfit Club Rubio Nu.
The 27-year-old's younger brother plays for Rubio Nu's junior side and his uncle Francisco Nunez is fitness coach at the club.
Rubio's head coach Francisco Arce is delighted to have the World Cup star Riveros with his squad temporarily, and just wishes it was full-time!
"To have him in the squad permanently would be a dream," said Arce. "But it is just a dream."
Da Silva was also a visitor at Rubio's training base in the Paraguayan capital Asuncion earlier this week as he finalised his break before jetting to England, where Sunderland are now preparing for Saturday's pre-season friendly with Leicester.
Boss Bruce will hope to have his South American duo reunited for their club's closing pre-season test away to German Bundesliga side Hoffenheim on Sunday week after neither has featured so far in the summer's warm-up matches ahead of the Saturday, August 14 season-opener at home to Birmingham City.
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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