Solano signed his first contract as a 17-year-old in 1992 for Sporting Cristal in the Peruvian First Division, helping the club win a host of trophies. From there he moved to Argentinian side Boca Juniors, where he played alongside Diego Maradona until, in 1998, he became the first Peruvian to play in England when he was signed by Newcastle. An “adopted Geordie” who has played more than 80 times for Peru, it is those links with the Toon Army that helped persuade Solano to link up with City. “I know Nigel Pearson from my time at Newcastle and it is very important to have a gaffer who wants you at his club,” he said. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw a big club like Leicester playing in League One. “The club has had a bad time, but Nigel has worked very hard to get City in this position and I want to be part of getting the club back in the Premier League.”