Carlos Vicente's Birmingham switch: 'When Tom Brady called, I froze - he's almost God to me'
Former Alavés midfielder Carlos Vicente reveals how NFL legend Tom Brady personally convinced him to make the surprise move to Championship side Birmingham City.
Former Alavés midfielder Carlos Vicente has opened up about his surprising January transfer to Birmingham City, revealing that a video call with NFL legend and Blues co-owner Tom Brady was the moment that sealed the deal.
From La Liga to the Championship
The 24-year-old Zaragoza-born player has made the unexpected leap from Spain’s top flight to join the Championship side currently sitting 13th in the table. It’s a move that’s raised a few eyebrows among Spanish football followers.
“It’s difficult to process. Everything new is a bit frightening, but you have to move forward and not doubt,” Vicente admitted in an interview with Kiroleros.
Long-term interest
The interest from Birmingham wasn’t a January impulse but had been brewing for some time:
- The Blues first approached in summer, late in the transfer window
- Alavés blocked the move as it would have left them short-handed
- Birmingham continued to demonstrate their interest in various ways
“They’ve shown me in many ways how much they wanted me, and that helped me take the step,” explained Vicente.
More than money
While Vicente acknowledges the financial aspect played a role in his decision, he insists there were many other factors at play. But one particular moment stands out in his decision-making process.
The Brady factor
The clincher? A personal call from seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, who is part of Birmingham City’s ownership group.
“I had a video call with Tom Brady and I was paralyzed. For me, he’s the closest thing to God,” Vicente revealed.
The Spanish midfielder, a self-confessed NFL fanatic, was blown away by Brady’s personal involvement in the recruitment process. “Well, not God, but almost. I’m an NFL geek and it’s great that he gets so involved. That really surprised me,” he added with a laugh.
A La Liga player being lured to the Championship isn’t your typical January transfer story, but when Tom Brady’s on the blower, it seems even the beautiful game’s appeal can be trumped by American sporting royalty.