Spanish World Cup winner Joan Capdevila has signed a deal to become North East United Football Club’s marquee player in the Indian Super League later this year.
It was announced on July 16 that Capdevila, who won the Euro 2008 and the FIFA World Cup 2010 with the Spanish national team, will join up with the Guwahati-based side which is part-owned by Bollywood actor John Abraham. The 36-year-old has played more than 400 games in the Spanish La Liga for Atlético Madrid, Villarreal, Deportivo and Espanyol over the course of 15 full seasons. He has been capped 60 times by the Spanish national team, representing them for the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships in 2004 and 2008.
“At this stage, after winning everything to be won a new challenge was needed. After speaking to John Abraham about the way he is passionately looking to promote football in India and the project of North East United FC, it excited me to take up this challenge,” said Capdevila.
“India is a huge country and it should be a privilege for me to be a small part in popularising this global game here and working with the young talented footballers of North East India,” he added.
Bollywood actor John Abraham was delighted to announce the signing of Capdevila. He said “We at North East United FC are very excited that Joan Capdevilla is a marquee player for our team. We are confident that his achievements in the game and his presence in our team will motivate our younger Indian players and his inputs would help us build a strong team for our future.”
NorthEast United FC co-owner, Mr.Larsing M. Sawyan said “This is the best thing that has happened to NorthEast United FC. A player of Joan Capdevilla’s calibre will definitely add impetus to our ambitions in the upcoming ISL. Football fans from the NorthEast are already familiar with him and we believe the excitement of the ISL in NorthEast has already reached a high level. We welcome Joan Capdevilla to NorthEast United FC and hope he can help us bring success both on and off the field.”
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