NorthEast United FC officially presented marquee signing Joan Capdevila today at a press conference held in Mumbai. Club owners John Abraham and Larsing Ming expressed their delight that their squad, would be able to draw on the experience of the former Spain international during the upcoming Hero Indian Super League (ISL). The veteran left-back will serve as a mentor for the rest of the NorthEast squad, which is among the youngest in the ISL.Speaking at the event, Capdevila was visibly excited at the opportunity to play in the ISL. “I’m thankful to NorthEast United FC for giving me the chance to be part of the Hero ISL,” enthused the Spaniard, before adding that he hoped he could “help the league with my experience.” Capdevila, who won the 2008 UEFA Euro championship as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup while manning the left-back spot for Spain, was eager to link up with his new team, saying, “I can’t wait to meet my teammates and start playing.”John Abraham and Larsen Ming both explained how the NorthEast squad had been selected in such a way as to make the former Villareal defender feel “very much at home”, in Capdevila’s own words. Abraham revealed that the club “wanted Joan from the outset, so we wanted players around him with whom he could relate very well.” Ming noted that the NorthEast squad includes an African Nations Cup winner, Isaac Chansa, along with other experienced internationals such as goalkeeper Alexander Tsorvas, a veteran of Greece’s 2010 World Cup campaign.Despite the presence of Capdevila and other experienced players, the NorthEast officials were quick to point out that the club’s focus was on grassroots football development and promoting youth football in the northeast region. Abraham proclaimed that the squad “has the strongest grassroots programme in the country.” He added that NorthEast United have placed an emphasis on a long-term vision for the club, saying that the aim is to take a youthful, local-based side and help them grow together.Along with the importance of youth football, the club’s aim is to create a team that is representative of the northeast region, which Abraham described as a “cool region” where “football is the primary sport”. And their marquee player was quick to catch onto this theme, proudly reciting the club’s slogan: 8 states, 1 United! The passionate northeast fans, delighted with their new signing’s enthusiasm for the club, will soon be thrilled to see Capdevila and his teammates on their pitch. Post by ISL- Indian Super League.