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Fullname: Fernando De Ornelas Franco
aka: Fernando De Ornelas
Born: 29 July 1976
Birthplace: Caracas
Signed: March 2000 after trial
Position: Right Wing
Height: 6' 1" (185cm)
Internationals: Venezuela
International Caps: 26
International Goals: 5

Biog

Pacey Venezuelan acquired by the Barnes / Dalglish management team on a free from Crystal Palace (his agent was Ian Wright) who initially came as one of many fly-by-night triallists that season. Had been playing in the rarified environs of Hong Kong before offering the cash-strapped 'Eagles' his services for expenses only. However after the Friendly against Bayern Munich on 1/2/00 he stayed on at Celtic making 2 sub appearances later in the season after sorting out his registration and work permit obligations by claiming Portuguese nationality.

He subsequently departed at the end of the season and returned to Venezuela. He returned and was picked up by QPR on a short term contract but released to Portuguese club Maritimo in the Madeira islands. After a spell there he also appears to have had another spell with his Hong Kong club before pitching up with FC Nurnberg in Germany where again he didn't stay long. He left for a Cypriot club managing a season there before moving on a free to Norwegian side Odd Grenland. This nomadic existence earned him the nickname "world trotter" in Venezuela.

He played for Odd Grenland as a valued member of the side until 2008. Went back to Venezuela but Mrs. De Ornelas and Fernando Jr. failed to settle during his brief spells with Monagas SC and Atletico Zulia and he was soon back in Norway with second division Mjøndalen.

Meanwhile his strong Protestant faith had led him to become a trainee pastor - when not energetically patrolling the right wing berth of Norwegian football grounds.

Playing Career

Tbc

Honours

Copa America Quarter Finalist with Venezuela 2007.

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