New York Cosmos Star Gaston Cellerino Talks NASL and Playing with Raul

NEW YORK — The United States has become a hot destination for South American footballers over the last few years, with many American clubs looking south to improve their rosters. 

The New York Cosmos recently followed the growing trend by signing Argentine forward Gaston Cellerino in August. Cellerino admits that there are more conversations about playing in the North American Soccer League and Major League Soccer in his home continent every day. 

"It’s something that we talk about a lot in South America. When I was playing in Chile and Argentina, we talked about how the leagues in the United States are growing. That was definitely something that drew me here. I’m excited to play here and in the NASL," Cellerino told Bleacher Report through a translator.

Before joining the Cosmos, Cellerino put together a solid scoring resume in Chile with the Santiago Wanderers. Cellerino scored 17 goals in 57 matches with the Chilean side, beginning in 2013. His most prolific spell before that came in 2008 with Rangers de Talca in Chile. He netted 22 strikes that season and earned a move to Livorno in Italy. 

When he thought about his next move, Cellerino considered the United States because of the challenge it presented to players like himself. 

"Personally I saw this as a challenge after talking with players from different leagues I’ve been in. I want to help football in the United States grow, and particularly the leagues in the United States grow. I was looking for a new experience and wanted to enjoy myself in a different way," Cellerino said. 

"I think that’s another part of the allure for other players coming from South America: the challenge of playing in the United States and succeeding and helping the growth of the league."

As any forward is expected to do, Cellerino will be counted on to score plenty of goals for the Cosmos during the NASL's fall season. The Cosmos are third in the fall table but first in the overall table heading into their September 12 home match with the Jacksonville Armada. (The NASL season is split into two distinct sections, spring and fall.)

“I know that my job here is to score goals. I’m a strong player. I think that I’m good at putting myself in good situations in the box. I think I’m able to challenge defenders by getting in the air with my head," Cellerino said. "I want to help this team in whatever way I can, but I know it’s my job to come in and be able to score goals." 

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Through 21 games in the entire NASL season, the Cosmos are second in the league in scoring with 35 goals. Only Minnesota United FC (37 goals) has a higher scoring output than Giovanni Savarese's side. 

Cellerino's scoring abilities should be enhanced in training each day as he partners with Spanish legend Raul in the Cosmos attack. As one would expect, Cellerino is enjoying his time with his new strike partner. 

“Any player would relish the opportunity to play with Raul," Cellerino said. "I'm just trying to get myself in the best possible shape to be able to combine with him on the field, and I’m really looking forward to that." 

He also added he's been able to assimilate into the group just fine since his arrival. 

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"Since I’ve been training here, I’ve enjoyed the environment," Cellerino said. "It’s a lot like a family, and I’m starting to fit in pretty well up here." 

Two qualities that the American leagues are known for are the various climates games are played in and the high amount of travel required. Cellerino will be banking on his time in South America to prepare for those particular challenges. 

“I think it’s definitely different here with the amount of travel and distance," he said. "Temperature-wise, my body will adjust. I have experience playing in high and low temperatures from my time in Chile and Argentina. I’m welcoming the challenge." 

If Cellerino continues to work well with the squad in training and is able to make a strong transition, the Cosmos should be able to rely on him often during the stretch run of the regular season. 

The New York Cosmos host Jacksonville on September 12 at James M. Shuart Stadium in Hempstead, New York.