Solano hints at Peru return

Newcastle midfielder Nolberto Solano has revealed he would be interested in returning to the Peru national team, despite having repeatedly ruled out a comeback in the past.

The main reason for Solano’s change of heart is the appointment of a new coach, with Franco Navarro replacing Freddy Ternero.

Navarro stated that “all Peruvian players abroad have doors open” when he took over on Tuesday, and called for both Solano and Liga Deportiva Universitaria forward Roberto Palacios to come out of international retirement.

The 31-year-old told RPP radio station: “I’m dying to wear the red and white.

“Of course, I’d like to, but I’d have to talk to Franco Navarro first.”

Solano backed Navarro to be successful in the job, but criticised the national association’s decision to appoint him on a short-term basis.

The plan is for Navarro to coach the team for their friendlies in the remainder of 2006 and then be replaced in 2007.

“I wish Navarro the best,” added Solano.

“I know him very well, but I don’t agree with short-term plans. If [the FPF] want to be coherent, they should give Navarro a long-term job.

“We cannot go on in the same way, I’m fed up with this story. We should change mentality.”