St. Lucian teenager to play pro football in Germany

Castries (St. Lucia), July 17 (IANS/CMC) Eighteen-year-old St.Lucian Caniggia Elva has signed a four-year deal to play high-level professional football in Stuttgart, Germany.

The news came days after German soccer fans celebrated the national team's fourth World Cup title, reports CMC.

The Calgary-based footballer has been toasting his personal success in Deutschland on the occasion of his 18th birthday.

"It's big for our club," said Ramon Mifflin, director of the Southwest United Soccer Association. "We couldn't be happier that Germany just won the World Cup ? and he's there."

Elva is the son of a former national striker, and the relative of a national defender.

However, he didn't play organised soccer until suiting up in Calgary at 11.

After getting one good look from the German scouts, the speedster went to Germany in early May to pursue a professional career.

He will continue training at the German academy with other young players in the under-19 and under-23 teams.

"If he develops early, who knows where it will take him," said Mifflin.

--IANS/CMC

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