CARLOS VICENTE insists money is not the only reason he rocked up at Birmingham City.
The Spanish winger moved to the from La Liga side Alaves last month in a move that surprised his admirers back home.
Carlos Vicente in action for Birmingham City after move from La LigaCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Tom Brady’s big ambitions for the Blues a major selling point in Vicente transferCredit: Getty
But Vicente, 26, says he was lured by the Blues’ big ambitions under co-owner and NFL legend — and not just because they tripled his salary.
The £7million signing told SunSport: “Privately, among footballers, we have no taboo about talking about it.
“But I understand publicly there isn’t that same naturalness because we don’t want to be reduced to people who only move for money.
“Of course Birmingham’s financial offer plays an important part in my decision but it’s not the only reason I’ve decided to come.
“I know many won’t understand me going to a lower league.
“But the decision isn’t as simple as reducing it to the extra money I’m being paid.
“I needed to live other experiences, other challenges. It was the step I wanted to take.”
Vicente admits seeing a footballer moving to Spain’s second division would be “very strange”.
He learned about interest after their promotion to the second tier last summer but waited until January to make the switch.
On joining a club who have not been in the Prem since 2011, he added: “The project excites me. The club dreams big.
“Getting promoted again for a second consecutive year? Nothing is impossible.
“The ambition at Birmingham is enormous and we feel we’re ready to fight for being in the Premier League.
“We’re keen to experience a derby in the top flight and, in the medium term, to compete with Aston Villa.”
Vicente enjoyed the perfect end to his two-year spell with Alaves with an early opener in a 2-1 win over Real Betis — his tenth league or cup goal of the season.
A massive NFL fan, he was blown away by a phone chat with Brady after joining Blues.
He explained: “I was travelling from London to Birmingham with the sporting director.
“During that two-hour journey we talked about many things, and I told him I’m a huge NFL fan.
See the Spanish Grand Prix for just £569
WE’VE got an amazing price on a trip to the Spanish GP in June – but you’ll have to be quick.
The deal includes return flights, FIVE nights at a 4-star hotel and a 3-day ticket to all the action at the track – plus transfers.
Prices for this full-throttle experience start from just £599pp.
But SunSport readers can unlock an exclusive extra 5% discount – bringing the price down to an incredible £569pp.
To claim your exclusive saving, simply pick up the phone to the Travelodeal team on 0204 505 9777 and quote the code F1SUNSPORT
This special saving is only available until February 28 – don’t miss out.
* If you click on a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue.
Don’t miss Spanish GP trip for just £569
“A few minutes later he handed me the phone . . . and suddenly it was him — Tom Brady.
“He is to American football what Michael Jordan is to basketball or Messi is to football. Almost God.
“I couldn’t believe it. I was in shock but he seemed like a down-to-earth person. He told me he’ll come to watch soon.”
After three appearances in the Championship, Vicente is now dreaming of scoring his first goal for Birmingham in the FA Cup tie against Leeds.
He added: “The fans still haven’t made a song for me, I suppose I’ll have to score for them to come up with one.
“I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere at the stadium.
“If I’m still here beyond 2030, it will be crazy to enjoy the new stadium.”
Boss Chris Davies says his medal for winning League One with Blues last term means more than his FA Cup gong.
Davies, 40, was No 2 to Brendan Rodgers when Leicester lifted the FA Cup in 2021 — and also enjoyed success with Celtic.
He said: “My FA Cup medal is at home but it’s not on display.
“My League One manager’s one is pride of place but the assistant manager’s ones are all in there.
“I’ve got a stash — I was at Celtic for a few years so there’s a few in there!
“When you’re a manager it’s more special.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
