The 30-year-old is one of the most high-profile signings for the upcoming Indian Super League season (ISL) and will be on board till May 31 next year.
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Kerala Blasters have announced the signing of Spanish striker Alvaro Vazquez from Sporting de Gijon. The 30-year-old is one of the most high-profile signings for the upcoming Indian Super League season (ISL). He will be on board till May 31 next year. He was born in Barcelona, Catalonia and then signed for RCD Espanyol’s youth system in 2005 at the age of 14. Vazquez made his senior team debut for Espanyol against Real Madrid in September 2010. From the Barcelona-based club, he then moved to Getafe, playing five years in the La Liga.
“This is a new stage of my career and I am looking forward to embracing the football and culture of India, something which I have heard a lot about. I will do my best both on and off the field for the team.” Said Alvaro Vázquez in a statement.
In 2013, when Getafe were relegated he was loaned out to England, where he played for Swansea City. He had a disappointing season in the Premier League, which saw him making just 12 Premier League appearances.
He then returned to Getafe for two seasons before rejoining boyhood club Espanyol.
However, while at Espanyol, Vazquez was loaned to two Segunda Division sides Gimnastic and Zaragoza. He netted 10 times for Zaragoza before Sporting Gijon signed the forward for free. But the striker failed to get going at Gijon and was loaned out to Sabadell earlier this year. Now, the Spaniard is not in Gijon’s plans this year, and therefore finds himself on his way to India.
He has also represented Spain in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He went on to score five goals in the tournament.
Alvaro Vazquez could be the biggest signing by Kerala Blasters for the upcoming season. The striker has experience of playing in the La Liga, Premier League and FIFA U-20 World Cup. Therefore, no doubt he would be one of the stars to watch out for in the upcoming ISL.
‘I’m happy that a high-level player like Alvaro is joining us. We are excited about him being a part of our family and hope that along with his quality, he will also bring high energy, leadership and fulfill his potential here.’ said Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, Kerala Blasters FC.
Blasters have already brought in Jorge Pereyra Diaz, midfielder Adrian Luna and defender Enes Sipovic. Vazquez and Diaz could form a potent attacking partnership. The Yellow Army under new boss Ivan Vukomanovic are fairly active in the transfer market.
The Kochi-based team will now get set for the Durand Cup, which will be held in Kolkata from September 5 to October 3, 2021. Blasters are drawn with fellow ISL side Bengaluru FC in Group C. The other teams in the group are Delhi FC and Indian Navy football team.
Blasters will begin their campaign against the Indian Navy football team on September 11 before taking on Bengaluru FC on September 15 and then will face Delhi Fc in their final group game on 21st.
Their head coach is likely to use the Durand Cup as an ideal opportunity to prepare for the upcoming ISL in November. Therefore foreigners may not have a big role to play and the domestic players may be given more game time to impress the boss.
