FC Goa sign Iker Guarrotxena on a two-year deal
The Spaniard was the fourth-highest goal-scorer in Primera Division RFEF last season
Goa, 8 July, 2022: FC Goa have completed the signing of Iker Guarrotxena, the Club can officially confirm. Having penned a two-year deal with the Gaurs, the Spaniard will wear their iconic Orange till the summer of 2024.
Guarrotxena spent last season in the colours of UD Logrones in the Primera Division RFEF (Spanish third-tier) where he was the fourth-highest goal-scorer in the league with 14 strikes that included a hat-trick and two braces. With 17 goal contributions in all (including three assists), the Spaniard’s play helped Logrones secure a place in the promotion play-offs.
“It’s an honour to be a part of FC Goa. The Club has only a few foreigner players and I’m proud to be among the chosen few. FC Goa showed confidence in me, and hence, I’ll try my best to take them to new heights,” Guarrotxena said after signing on the dotted line.
“A few weeks ago, I got a call from Ravi (Puskur), the Club’s Director of Football. FC Goa were one of the first teams to contact me this summer, and Ravi explained their project to me in great detail which gave me confidence. I later spoke with the coach (Carlos Pena) as well.
“Except Goa, I had options from clubs from different countries as well as in Spain. When I spoke with Goa, I was very clear that I wanted to join a project where I could win something. I wanted to win a title, a league. And for me, FC Goa was the best chance of winning something this season. And that’s why I joined FC Goa,” he further added.
Ravi Puskur, FC Goa’s Director of Football also expressed satisfaction in having completed the move for the player.
“We’re very pleased to bring someone like Iker Guarrotxena on board. We were looking to bring in a player who would contribute in creativity and connect the play. He brings a lot of decisive quality in the final 3rd and has a lot of versatility about him, as he can play in multiple positions equally well. His profile fit exactly what the team needed.
“When we first spoke to him, he transmitted a burning desire and ambition to win trophies and that is precisely the sort of mentality we’re looking to bring into our dressing room. He’s a well travelled player and I’m sure he’ll have no trouble settling into the dressing room and will be an invaluable addition to the team dynamic with his competitive nature and natural leadership.,” he said.
Well-suited to the FC Goa style of play
Born and raised in the city of Bilbao in northern Spain, Iker Guarrotxena spent the major part of his football career in his home country. With a large Spanish contingent in place with the Gaurs the winger-forward should feel at ease with the playing style.
Following stints with Arenas Getxo and Athletic Bilbao’s youth teams, Guarrotxena made his senior football debut in 2011 with CD Basconia in the Tercera Division, the erstwhile fourth division of the Spanish football league system.
Guarrotxena also brings a vast amount of experience of having played in a number of other foreign leagues. Stints with Athletic Bilbao Reserves, CD Tenerife, CD Mirandes and Cultural Leonesa followed for the 29-year-old, who then made his first move abroad, to Polish top-division outfit Pogon Szczecin in 2018.
He then went on to play for Greek Super League club Volos NPS and A-League (Men) side Western United over the next two seasons, before returning to Spain and signing with UD Logrones in the Primera Division RFEF (Spanish third-tier) last year.
For Fixtures, News, and Stats on the Harwood Champions league – Click here
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also, Read Exposure with National Team helped Blue Tigresses go beyond their level: Manisha Kalyan
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…