Portuguese defender Miguel Garcia signs for Sporting Clube de Goa

Miguel Garcia after signing for Sporting Clube de Goa

I-League outfit Sporting Clube de Goa completed their four foreign players quota after signing Portuguese defender Miguel Angelo Moita Garcia at Don Bosco ground in Panjim over the weekend.

Miguel is familiar to Indian football having recently played in the ISL for North East United FC although he admits Goa is a little bit warmer than the North East. He said, “When I first came to the North East it was very cool, but soon started to warm up after the first month. Goa's temperature is even hotter, but I will acclimatize.”

Miguel was part of the world famous Sporting Clube de Portugal Academy from the age of fourteen. “In Portugal it was an honour to play for the Sporting Club of Portugal and similarly I was attracted to the name and Infrastructure of my new club as they promote a Sporting culture in Goa,” stated Miguel.

Miguel started his career as a right-back and has now established himself as a centre-back, where he will be mostly utilized for the Flaming Oranje.

Miguel is a couple of weeks shy of his 32nd birthday, but can remember his teenage years fondly where he roomed and Schooled with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Ricardo Quaresma at SCP. As a defender, Miguel had to face the fancy footwork of these formidable wing wizards in training which sharpened his skills, especially his concentration and alertness.

Miguel won the Taca de Portugal with SCP in 2007, but the fondest memories of his career to date are the two UEFA Europa League runners-up medals he has picked up. The first came in 2005 when SCP narrowly lost out to CSKA Moscow. The second time was playing for Sporting Braga in 2011, where they were beaten by Portuguese rivals FC Porto.

Miguel has also played in Italy for Reggina, in Turkey for Orduspor and in Spain for Mallorca. The other Portuguese outfit he has turned out for was Olhanense.

“Miguel has played against the top strikers in the world from Alan Shearer to Radamel Falcao. His recent stint in India shows he has the proven credentials to adapt and excel. He also has strong leadership qualities which is important,” remarked Sporting Clube de Goa President Peter Vaz.

Miguel looks certain to make his debut against Panjim rivals Dempo SC in the I-League on Tuesday.