The news of Atlético Ottawa’s newest midfielder took the Canadian Premier League by storm on Tuesday.
Ottawa teased an announcement and the opening of the ‘box of surprises’, but fans were unsure of what to expect.
They are coming…🚀👕🇮🇹
Tune in Tuesday at 3:00 P.M. as we begin to open the box of surprises 🕒🎁.
🔴⚪🔵#AtléticoOttawa #CanPL pic.twitter.com/f0QDkma71Y
— Atlético Ottawa (@atletiOttawa) April 5, 2021
The long rumored announcement was made public…
We are thrilled to announce Canadian Midfielder Chris Mannella has signed and will be returning to the nation’s capital! 🇨🇦
Welcome to the club @c10mannella. 🔴⚪🔵https://t.co/WVfSfrylqV#AtléticoOttawa #CanPL #RosterNews pic.twitter.com/JPZjItLVAW
— Atlético Ottawa (@atletiOttawa) April 6, 2021
A subsequent video interview was shared from behind the scenes at TD Place aptly titled,
The First Word – Episode #1 Featuring Chris Mannella
Chris Mannella shared a message to the fans in Ottawa about his signing and return to professional soccer in Ottawa.
Beyond happy to be joining @atletiOttawa and coming back to a place that feels like home to me. Thank you to @4fernandolopez for welcoming me into this amazing family. Looking forward to seeing all the fans once again back at TD place soon. 2021 season can’t come quick enough. pic.twitter.com/fkD5E2RTqJ
— Chris Mannella (@c10mannella) April 6, 2021
What happened next created waves across the Ottawa and Canadian soccer community among fans, former teammates and media.
✍️ @atletiOttawa have signed ex-York midfielder Chris Mannella.#CanPL
— CanPL (@CPLsoccer) April 6, 2021
Soccer: Midfielder Chris Mannella bounces back to Ottawa … with Atletico this time https://t.co/eH0QgIYrGW pic.twitter.com/zXl7rh77B3
— Ottawa Citizen (@OttawaCitizen) April 6, 2021
Midfielder Chris Mannella returns to Ottawa … with Atletico https://t.co/QdxTzzEgCJ pic.twitter.com/eiBdlNeetr
— Ottawa Sun (@ottawasuncom) April 6, 2021
Great signing. https://t.co/zFmi64yEds
— AJ Jakubec (@TheSuperAJ) April 6, 2021
Atlético Ottawa supporters groups, fans and former teammates were ecstatic to see Mannella join the club…
Back in the Capital and looking fresh in that black @atletiOttawa kit is none other than MANNELLA himself!
A players that supporters of ⚽️ in Ottawa will know well.
“From day one the fans welcomed me with open arms and supported me every single match” – @c10mannella #CanPL pic.twitter.com/mBZCMHSgMQ
— Capital City Supporters Group (@CapitalCitySG) April 6, 2021
This @c10mannella fella looks familiar 🤔#CanPL #Ottleti #AtleticoOttawa https://t.co/14L00CMpRI pic.twitter.com/DsltjDjUQu
— Bytown Boys S.C. (@BytownBoys) April 6, 2021
Our strong, loyal midfielder @c10mannella is back in the Capital! https://t.co/yUaajo1J4F
— Mat B. (@MatB_MatB) April 6, 2021
I know you learned how to cook, Cus that 🥣 you be cheffing me wasn’t it boi! Congrats tho fam, you deserve it! And I’m sure the city of Ottawa is buzzing to have you back . Just a shame I’m not there to moan at you on the pitch ! 🤓❤️ @c10mannella ✨ https://t.co/s8OGYuKst8
— Charlie Ward (@Charlieward_14) April 7, 2021
This is great news! Mannella looked right at home here in #Ottawa when he played for Fury FC. He adds a lot of experience and talent to Atlético's young squad. https://t.co/jQlGCXpDQL
— James Bridges (@JamesMBridges) April 6, 2021
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