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Kerala Blasters have announced Spanish World Cup winner Carlos Marchena as their marquee player ahead of the second edition of the Indian Super League. Kerala Blasters ended up as the runners-up in the first season of the ISL. Despite losing out to Athletico de Kolkata in a thrilling match which ended 1-0, Kerala Blasters surprisingly did not acquire any player in the ISL auction to upgrade their squad for this season.
There was a rumour flying around South India about the possible arrival of former veteran Spanish defender Carlos Marchena to Kerala Blasters, as reported in Spain. The unveiling of the highly decorated signing for the Kerela Blasters coincides with today’s festival in Kerala, Onam.
Carlos Marchena will arrive in India having won almost everything that can be won in football. He has two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, one UEFA Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, the European Championship and most importantly the World Cup 2010 with Spain in his list of achievements. He played his club football mostly in Spain but made a move to Benfica in 2002 before returning back in Valencia.
Kerela Blasters have been keeping their fans in suspense for a very long time.
Marchena has made 500 appearances at club level and earned 49 caps for the national team. His signing will serve a huge boost to the team’s confidence and morale. Along with signings of Carlos Marchena, Kerala Blasters have brought in a number of foreign players to the squad.
Stephen Bywater joined the South Indian outfit on a free transfer from Doncaster Rovers. Peter Ramage is another player from the English division Crystal Palace who joined on free transfer. The other foreign players in the squad include Antonio German, Sanchez Watt, Chris Dagnall, Josu, Pulga, Joao Coimbra, Bruno Perone and Erwin Spitzner.
Peter Taylor, who’s been appointed the head coach of Kerala Blasters will be looking to balance the squad by giving equal opportunity to local talents and mix it up with international experience. Sandesh Jhingan was awarded the ISL emerging player of the season and will be looking to play an integral role in Peter Taylor’s squad to push for the title again this season.
New signing Peter Ramage wish the Blasters fans on twitter:
The South Indian club then announced the signing via their Official Twitter account:
