Hero Indian Super League (ISL) outfit FC Goa announced the signing of striker Alvaro Vazquez ahead of the upcoming 2022-23 season. The Gaurs roped in the striker on a two-year deal, the announcement of which was made through their social media handles on Friday.

The 31-year-old Barcelona-born started his youth career at RCD Espanyol in 2005. He made his senior squad debut in 2009. The striker got introduced in the big boys’ league “La Liga” in 2010 with the same club. Later, in 2012, he joined Getafe CF.

The Spanish striker also had the experience of playing in the premier league under Swansea City during a loan spell. The forward represented Spain at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he finished the tournament with five goals. He participated in 12 Premier League games overall and more than 150 La Liga games.

The Spaniard expressed his joy at joining the new club,” I’m extremely happy to join FC Goa The club has an ambitious project and a playing style that I love. Having spoken to the club officials and Edu (Bedia), I was convinced that I can be the best version of myself here,”.

“For me, Goa is one of the biggest clubs in the Indian Super League. Last season might not have been the best for the club, but I believe we will surely move back to the top this coming season. I have heard and seen the fans of Goa, who love football. I want to experience playing at Fatorda. Honestly, I can’t wait to play my first game in the club’s colours,” the striker further added.

In the Hero ISL 2021–22 season, the Tuskers, who advanced to the finals but lost to Hyderabad FC on penalties, relied heavily on the attacking skills of the 31-year-old. He found the back of the net eight times on the score sheet in 23 games, the Spaniard ended the season as the team's joint-leading scorer.

FC Goa Director of Football, Ravi Puskur also expressed his delight on the striker’s arrival. He stated, “We’re delighted to secure the services of Alvaro. He’s someone we’ve always kept an eye on long before his arrival into Indian football and given he’s already adapted to India, we moved quickly this summer to secure his services when the opportunity arose,”.

“His quality on and off the ball is undeniable and fans of Indian football are well aware of his technical prowess. We’re confident he will slot in seamlessly into the team and with our style of football, I’m sure he’ll be a success,” he added.

Enes Sipovic ends his journey with Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters FC announced the departure of defender Enes Sipovic from their squad ahead of the new season of the Hero ISL. The club made the announcement through their social media handles on Friday.

The Bosnian international began his youth career at Bosnian club Zeljeznicar in Sarajevo and after spending one year here, he joined the Romanian club, SC Otelul Galati, in the 2008-09 season. The footballer won the 2010-11 Romanian top-division championship title with SC Otelul Galati.

After six productive seasons at Otelul Galati Sipovic, he moved to various clubs and enjoyed his stint at each club which includes KVC Westerlo (Belgium), Ittihad Tanger & RS Berkane (Morocco). Before moving to Hero ISL, the defender played for Umm Salal in Qatar.

After spending a year with Chennaiyin FC in 2020-21, the full-back joined the Kochi-based team in Hero ISL 2021-22. Sipovic featured in 14 matches for the Tuskers, he scored one goal and made 20 interceptions during this time.

The 31-years-old defender penned down a farewell comment on Instagram, "Thank you @keralablasters for an opportunity to represent all Malayali and all supporters of our beautiful team. My family is grateful for everything you have done for us, Imran was born as BLASTER and his parents will have an amazing story to tell him.”

Victor Mongil departs Odisha FC

Defender Victor Mongil bids farewell to Odisha FC after spending one season with the Kalinga Warriors, the club confirmed the departure through their social media handles on Friday.

The Spanish defender began his playing career with Valladolid, where he later appeared for both their senior team and B team in 2011–12. He played for a number of clubs in Spain before joining FC Dinamo Tbilisi in 2019, which included the Atletico Madrid B team. The Spaniard won the UEFA Europa League while playing for FC Dinamo Tbilisi. The defender additionally contributed to his team's Georgian Premier League triumph.

Before joining the Juggernauts, the 29-years-old full-back played for ATK FC in Hero ISL 2019-20 season and he saw the heavyweights from Kolkata lifting the championship. In his one-year stint at the Odisha FC, he played 19 matches and made 70 clearances.

The Spaniard wrote down a goodbye message to his fans on his Instagram, “The time to say goodbye has come. I didn't think it was going to be this soon. I would like to thank all Odisha fan, because you have always transmitted me your love and support during all the season, you're the real Odisha spirit. I would like to thank my teammates too, the old staff, doctors, material staff, managers and every and each person that is part of the club,”.

The full-back stated that he tried his best to stay at the club but he didn’t get any word from the club regarding this, he further wrote down, “l also would like to make clear that I have tried to stay in all possible ways to stay being part of the club, but it's hard to continue ahead when you don't receive a call in all this time,”.

“I'm leaving knowing I have given everything I have and more for this club. for this shield and for all Odisha fans. I'm leaving sad, but I will always support Odisha from the distance,” he added.

Related tags:

Kerala Blasters FCOdisha FCFC Goa Enes SipovicVictor MongilAlvaro Vazquez