Meet Rodrigo Vilca, talented football player who made the life-changing decision to move from his hometown in Peru to the United Kingdom in pursuit of his dreams.

In this candid interview, Rodrigo shares his inspiring journey and sheds light on the challenges he faced along the way. Join us as we delve deeper into his story and discover the resilience and determination that propelled him to success.

Hey Rodrigo, thanks for your time, we wanted to chat to you about your experiences in England thus far and the transition you’ve had from South America to the North East.

When you started your career in Peru, how was your experience with Deportivo Municipal?

“When I started my career at Deportivo Municipal, there were four years filled with a mixture of happy and sad moments.  I fought against relegation with the club, I had injuries, but overall I learned a lot about football”.

The Neighbourhood

You moved to England when you were very young, what was that experience like?

Moving to England at a very young age was a great opportunity for me! Thank God I had my mother and brother living with me, that helped me a lot to be able to face the proposition of missing your family outside your country and being homesick. In football terms, I have felt very good since arriving. It has been two years of ups and downs.

You now live in Newcastle, how have you been finding life in the Toon?

Yes, I love Newcastle, I like the city, the people are very kind, the weather could be better, but I'm used to it haha, it's part of life.

Toon Army

Newcastle United are a club on the up at the moment, are you enjoying playing in that environment?

Yes, the club has changed a lot in every way, I'm very happy it’s turned out like that! A club like this having so much history, it's always important that the club moves forward.

You have played on loan a few times, how was your experience at Doncaster in League One?

Yes, it took me some time to adapt whilst I was at Doncaster as the coach played me as a right midfielder and it wasn't my usual position! But then I knew how to adapt to the team and I was able to score two goals and contribute with assists.

We know that you have opened a Barbers in Spain, what was the reason for that?

The motivation was with my brother as we wanted to have a family business, my brother is a barber, he is the one who always took care of my different hairstyles haha, I suggested the idea and then we started it and set it all up.

We wanted to do something that defined us, something different and we did just that. It has been well received by the customers and the people of the town. The barbershop without my brother would be nothing.

Homesickness

What is the difference for you between fan culture in South America and England

The feeling in South America is different, we live differently. You’d be amazed if you saw how people really live over there. It is something you can’t explain!

Here in England it's different, it's very different. But I have to say that the Newcastle fans are in love with their club and the support is incredible. They are also very respectful, that says a lot about them.

Who is the best player you have played with?

I can’t tell you one, there have been so many! Really, in my opinion they are all very good.

Rodrigo Vilca Adaptation

Perspective: Timo Baumgartl

New Standard: Janine Beckie