Spanish defender Ivan Gonzalez has joined FC Goa, the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) club announced on Tuesday. The Spaniard, who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and likes to win aerial duels, joins the likes of Jorge Ortiz and Igor Angulo as Goa’s new foreign signings under head coach Juan Ferrando.

“I’m really happy to be here. It’s a great opportunity. The project was really appealing. And in the space of a few years, the club has become a big name in India, and it is a brilliant chance for me to progress with my career. I have more to offer than just being a defender. I, of course, defend, but I like to play with the ball and build up the game from the back, and I think that is something I’m good at,” the defender said after penning a two-year contract with the club.

A product of Real Madrid Castilla, Ivan joined the Spanish heavyweight’s youth setup at the age of 12 from local club AD Parla. The 30-year-old defender played for Real Madrid’s C team before spending time across different Spanish outfits such as Deportivo B, UB Conquense and Racing Ferrol. Prior to joining the Gaurs, his last move saw him return to Cultural Leonesa for his second stint at the club.

We’re pleased to bring Ivan on board for the next two seasons for what will be the beginning of a new project under Juan. His game is ideally suited to our style of football and we’re sure he will integrate into the team very quickly. Ivan was someone we highlighted very early in the off-season as a potential signing and we’re glad we’ve managed to secure his signature,” Ravi Puskas, Director of Football at FC Goa stated about his club’s latest acquisition.

Goa head coach Ferrando has previously worked with Ivan for a short spell at Cultural Leonesa during the player’s first spell at the club in the 2015-16 season. The Spanish defender also played with Ortiz while at the club. During his four years at Cultural Leonesa, Ivan captained the side and with the retirement of former Goa defender Carlos Pena, he will be expected to organize the Gaurs’ defence and have a strong presence on the field as well as in the dressing room.