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20th September, 2014: The much awaited arrival of North East United FC’s marquee player – Joan Capdevila came to end with his arrival into Mumbai on 20th September 2014. A Spanish native, Capdevila represented his nation on 60 international occasions. He drove home the victory for his country in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the 2008 Euro Championship.
Thirty-six-year-old Capdevila has played over 400 games with 36 goals in The Spanish La Liga for eminent clubs like Espanyol, Atletico Madrid, Deportivo and Villarreal. He is now a vital left back defender for the North East United side and the team management is very excited about the experience he will bring to the table.
Post signing with the NEUFC, Joan Capdevila expressed "India is a huge country and it is a privilege for me to be a small part in popularizing this global game here and working with the young talented footballers of North East India."
Coach Ricki Herbert congratulated the North East United Franchise for obtaining the outstanding contract services of Joan Capdevila for the inaugural HeroISL competition.
“Joan has had an incredible career and has achieved honours at the very peak of the football arena and we all at North East United thoroughly look forward to Joan's appearances as a North East player; and to the wealth of experience and knowledge that can be transferred to all other playing members. As Head coach, it certainly will be an honour to have him on our team.”
Capdevila’s arrival has got ‘ the force’ going on the NEUFC side with everyone extremely excited to have this Spanish defender take the lead into this year’s HeroISL. Also, co owner of the NEUFC team - John Abraham stated, "We at North-East United FC are very excited that Joan 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. His inputs can help us build a strong team for our future."
Added to this Lajong FC Managing Director and NEUFC co-owner, Larsing Ming expressed: "This is the best thing that has happened to NorthEast United FC. A player of Joan Capdevila's calibre will definitely add impetus to our ambitions in the upcoming ISL.”
The team management is expectant that this valuable addition to the North East Side completes the squad and gives them the perfect balance needed to win this year’s inaugural ISL season.
