Honduras international Alberth Elis (pictured) was introduced by Monterrey at a press conference on September 7, 2016. (Photo: Mexsport)
MONTERREY, Mexico – Monterrey introduced Wednesday Alberth Elis, its newest acquisition, a day after he helped Honduras reach the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The 20-year-old forward was signed last month, but has been away due to international obligations. He is excited to compete for a place in a side that currently sits 10th in the Liga MX Apertura.
“It motivated me to come to the team due to its history,” said Elis. “I come to fight for a place and to contribute. I have worked hard in my country. I try to do what I know. I am ready to play.”
Elis, who had spent his entire professional career with Olimpia (61 games/25 goals), was selected as recipient of the 2015/16 Scotiabank Best Young Player Award, playing in four games and scoring two goals.
With Honduras, he was the joint-top scorer at the 2015 CONCACAF Men’s Olympic Qualifying Championship with four goals and has competed in the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup (4 games/0 goals) and the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup (2 games/0 goals). Elis also scored four goals in the 2015 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship and one goal in the 2013 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship. In August, he netted two goals during the Catrachos’ run to a fourth-place finish at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament.
While some players may be awed by the prospect of playing at a big club like Monterrey, Elis feels he meets the profile of a successful Rayados player.
“Everything is step by step,” he commented. “Monterrey is a big team and I come to do things well, to contribute and to win championships, which is what the people want.”
Throughout the history of Honduran football, many have attempted to achieve success in Mexico. Arguably, the most prominent was legendary forward Carlos Pavon, who played with seven different sides over an 11-year period.
While praising the accomplishments of his countryman, Elis signaled a desire to forge his own legacy.
“I have always followed Carlos Pavón, a great striker,” the former Real España youth product finished. “He made history here in Mexico, but I am Alberth Elis and I will try to make my own history with the Rayados.”
