CF Montreal | Alessandro Biello, the boy of the club

Alessandro Biello is not only Mauro’s son. He is also, in a way, a child of CF Montreal.

Because thanks to his father, Alessandro has “a connection with this club since (he) was very young,” he explained to journalists on Thursday morning, before training at the Nutrilait Center.

This link with the Bleu-blanc-noir finally allowed him to obtain his first professional contract, at 17 years old. This two-season agreement, announced Wednesday, comes with three option years, until 2028.

Alessandro Biello joined the Impact pre-academy in 2014, at the age of 8. But as evidenced by these photos, taken in 2007 by the photographer of The Press André Pichette, the new professional player of the CFM, has been immersed in the world of the club in which his father made his reputation since he was very young.

Alessandro was 13 months old at the time of this report written by colleague Sophie Allard. Mauro was 34 years old, two seasons removed from his playing retirement.

“With his son Alessandro in his arms, Mauro Biello is waiting for the representatives of The Press on the balcony of his house, wrote our journalist at the start of this text published on May 19, 2007. He lives in a peaceful area of ​​Saint-Léonard, facing a park. Gabriele, 3 years old, arrives in turn. He’s seriously grumbling. The photo shoot promises to be a disaster, but a balloon is placed at his feet and he is charmed. Same thing for Alessandro, 13 months old. Like father, like sons? »

Nearly 17 years later, we can finally answer that question: absolutely.

“It’s a moment that I will never forget in my life,” emphasizes Alessandro about signing his contract. It’s thanks to this club that helped me grow, to take all the steps to be in the position I am in today. »

Of course, comparisons with Mauro will be inevitable, starting with the particularly striking physical similarities. But young Alessandro doesn’t want to worry too much about that for the moment.

“I know that my father created an incredible legacy at this club, which will never be forgotten,” he said. But I am a young player. (I have to) stay focused, learn, grow and work really hard to one day have a chance to play and help this team. »

Obviously, Biello Sr. contacted his son to congratulate him.

“He called me (…) and said he was very proud of me. And I thanked him for everything he has done for me since my childhood. He always gave me advice at the right time. He was always there for me, to support me. »

“He’s not afraid of anyone.”

You can well imagine, dear readers, that the CFM did not offer a contract to Alessandro Biello only for his hair, which could be mistaken for that of his father.

Let Samuel Piette explain to you what makes the Quebec midfielder stand out.

“He’s a very, very good guy technically, but also very intelligent,” says the captain. Despite his young age, he understands football very well. (…) He is bigger than me, he is strong, capable of imposing himself, he is not afraid of anyone. »

Biello’s preferred position is in defensive midfield, essentially the same as Piette, in fact.

“In the locker room, he’s next to me,” said the veteran. So we’re going to talk to each other even more. »

This is because Biello sees mentors in his captain and in former academician Mathieu Choinière.

“Guys like Mathieu and Sam helped me a lot during camp,” recalls the new member of the CFM senior team. (…) They gave me a lot of advice as a young player, because they experienced it too. »

Piette confirms that he has a “special relationship” with Alessandro, since his father Mauro is his national team coach. He also notices a “similar attitude” between the two Biellos.

“He’s a fighter, a winner,” he said. He’s a guy who gives 100%. I think Mauro was like that, as a coach and as a player. »

“Stay focused” while waiting for your turn

In all likelihood, Biello will not go out on loan this season. And this, unlike his sidekick Matteo Schiavoni, who left to join the Forge in the Canadian Premier League after signing a contract with CF Montreal at the same time.

“They told me they wanted me to stay here,” Biello said. For me, right now, it’s about staying focused in training and continuing to learn and grow at the professional level. »

The defensive midfielder has been refining his game in this position since joining the Academy at the under-14 level. The problem is that at the Impact currently, the midfield is congested. Piette, Choinière, Nathan Saliba, Victor Wanyama, Rida Zouhir and Ilias Iliadis take precedence over the 17-year-old.

During the training camp, we also saw Biello being used in central defense, due to lack of opportunity in the middle. Barring injuries, combined with absences due to the numerous international competitions that will take place next summer, the young man will have to learn his skills on the outskirts for the moment.

“He is aware of this situation,” says Piette. It’s his first professional year, he has a lot to learn. »

“We touch wood, but we can have injuries, players who perform less. THE coach (ensure that) if you perform well in training, we will give you your chance. With Alessandro’s mentality, I’m not worried about him as this year he’s going to have a chance. »