Bengaluru FC have secured the services of midfielder Dimas Delgado for the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 season, after handing the Spaniard a one-year contract extension. This will be the 37-year-old’s fourth season with the Blues, having joined them on the lead up to Hero ISL 2017-18.

The former Barcelona B player, over the last three seasons, have been a central figure in Bengaluru’s many successes. It took him little time to establish himself as one of the best deep-lying midfielder in the league as he guided the Blues to the Hero ISL 2017-18 final. His debut season in India, however, ended on a tragic note as he was injured in the final against Chennaiyin FC, which the Blues eventually lost 3-2.

The 2018-19 season saw the Spaniard exorcise the demons as he played a pivotal role in helping Bengaluru clinch the title. In fact, it was his corner in the final against FC Goa which led to Rahul Bheke’s winner in Extra Time. Last season, the veteran midfielder again played a central role in Bengaluru’s run to the semi-finals. The Spaniard already has 54 Hero ISL caps to his name, scoring three and assisting 13 goals.

Delgado is one of the best passers of the ball, attempting close to 65 passes per match with a whopping 76.71% accuracy. He is also Bengaluru’s set-piece specialist, which makes him one of the most vital cogs in Carles Cuadrat’s system. The Spaniard is a leader in the dressing room and is often seen donning the arm-band when captain Sunil Chhetri is unavailable.

“I am delighted in extending my stay at a club I can very comfortably call home. I have enjoyed playing my part in everything we have achieved over the last three seasons and I cannot wait to do it for one more year. It’s an honour to pull on the Bengaluru shirt and walk out in front of our fans who have always shown me love. We have more to achieve and I will keep helping this team,” said Delgado after the deal was formalized.

Bengaluru CEO Mandar Tamhane said, “Dimas is pivotal to the way the club functions on the pitch and he showed everyone why in the season gone by. He is one of the voices on the team and a professional who sets a good example for the rest of the squad, and we are glad that he will spend one more season with Bengaluru FC.”

The Blues have been busy securing the core of their team of late and have already extended winger Udanta Singh and midfielder Erik Paartalu’s contract in the last few weeks.