In a landmark deal, East Bengal rope in 2018 FIFA World Cup player

by Chittu Shetty July 11, 2018

Kolkata Giants – East Bengal FC, who were recently acquired by Quess group, has pulled off perhaps one of the biggest surprise of the season by signing 2018 FIFA World Cup player

The 34 year old Costa Rican defender Jhonny Acosta Zambrosa, who recently featured in the 2018 FIFA World Cup for his country will now be wearing the Red and Gold jersey for the upcoming season.

Despite having made late debut for his country at the age of 28 in the year 2011, Acosta has gone on to cement his place in the squad going on to feature in more the 70 games for his country. He has also featured in two world cup competition and was a regular starter for Costa Rica in the ongoing World Cup in Russia, featuring in all three group stage matches.  Acosta has also regularly featured for his country in CONCACAF Gold Cup and Copa América.

While there have been no official statements from the club yet, reports from Costa Rican media has confirmed the move.

Reconocemos el compromiso y la entrega del costarricense que vistió la camiseta de nuestro conjunto Dorado #ElEquipoDelOriente. Todo #Rionegro se siente ¡orgulloso! de haberlo tenido en #Colombia. Te deseamos los mejores éxitos en tu nueva experiencia en la #India. @AlcRionegro pic.twitter.com/oC5rt9VGgL

— Rionegro (@AguilasDoradasR) July 6, 2018

Acosta talks, “East Bengal FC is one of the biggest club of India, I need to append myself with Indian football, I need to do my best for my new club. My aim is to encourage other Indian footballers and guide them while leading the team to trophies.”

Johnny Acosta was not sure of the offer he had received and a tip from coach Alexandre Guimaraes, who coached Indian super League side Mumbai City FC in last two seasons, showed him the way forward. “I have little reference (of Indian football), but I did research and spoke with Guimaraes (Alexandre) He gave me good references, it’s a good team and he likes to fight for the title, it’s a good thing and the important thing is the opportunity,” Acosta stated.

East Bengal, after conceding 70% of stake to Quess group, has now become financially more secured and are clearly showing their intent to win trophies by going for big signings.

Also Read: FC Pune City strengthen midfield with two more signings

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