East Bengal FC strengthened by Costa Rican World Cup defender Johnny Acosta
East Bengal FC has announced the inclusion of Costa Rica defender Johnny Acosta from Colombian side, Rionegro Aguilas for the upcoming season. The center-back recently featured at the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia as part of the Costa Rica squad and he has more than 70 caps for his country.
He was also part of the Costa Rica team that made it to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil. Acosta has immense international footballing experience, and the willingness to undertake a new challenge in the I-League. He joins a list of famous international players – like Nicolas Anelka, Roberto Carlos, Diego Forlan and more – who have featured at the World Cup and then chosen to play in an Indian league in search of a new challenge to overcome.
Confirming the new signing, QEBFC CEO, Sanjit Sen, said, “We are delighted to get Johnny on board for our season. He is the perfect signing for QEBFC and his recent experiences at the World Cup, where he played against Neymar’s Brazil, will help us improve the backline of the team with proven experience at the highest level. Johnny’s international experience can be a great motivator for our younger players too, and he can help mentor them thanks to his varied playing stints in Latin America. He is a winner of league titles as well, so his winning mentality will rub off on fellow players. We look forward to seeing Johnny excel for the first team in the near future and welcome him to our great club.
Excited with the new opportunity, Johnny Acosta said, “I am thrilled and look forward to serving the club in all possible ways. I had my regular exercise sessions after the world-cup and feel fully fit to begin this journey soon.”
