By Our Reporter
Shillong: NorthEast United FC on Monday announced that it has signed Spanish strike Sergio Contreras Pardo, commonly known as Koke, to strengthen the club’s attacking frontline.
The 31-year-old striker started his football career in 2001 and signing him means the club will benefit from his 13 years experience, the club announced in a statement here.
“He will be benefiting the NorthEast FC’s attack by bringing onboard 13 years of professional football experience,” the statement said.
A native of Malaga in Spain, Koke started his career with Malaga before shifting to Marseille in France and then he had a successful run at Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.
He then went on to play for the Greek super league team, Aris for five years. He was the captain for two years, those were clearly was some of the best years of his football career.
“I am very eager to start training with my new teammates and am excited about this new journey. I look forward to a great season and to score some winning goals for my team,” Koke was quoted as saying by the club.
NorthEast FC’s coach Ricki Herbert said he is looking forward to the new addition to his team.
“The arrival of Koke at NE United FC is one of excitement and anticipation. His experience and pedigree is much awaited and we all look forward to his appearances as a North East United player,” he said.
With this signing, the Club has completed signing eight international players of repute, anticipating that the upcoming ISL would boost football in the country.
The club had signed World Cup 2010 and European 2008 Championship Winner– Spanish Defender Joan Capdevilaas — as their Marquee player for the inaugural season of Indian Super League scheduled to begin early next month.
The team had also signed Zambian international midfielder, Isaac Chansa, who also won the 2012 African Cup of Nations, along with Lajong FC striker Cornell Glen.
Earlier this month, the club signed Portuguese Defender Miguel Garcia, Zambian Midfielder Kondwani Mtonga and Greek Goalkeeper Alexandros Tzvoras.
Meanwhile, Legendary Brazilian footballer Zico arrived at Panaji to take charge of Football Club Goa as head coach for the high-profile Indian Super League which begins of October 12.
The 61-year-old Arthur Antunes Coimbra, nicknamed ‘White Pele’, reached Goa along with former Dempo midfielder Roberto Mendis Silva and received at the airport by former All India Football Federation General Secretary Alberto Colaco. (With inputs from PTI)