Costa Rican defender Johnny Acosta Zamora, who donned his national colours in the group stage of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia, has signed for East Bengal FC for the upcoming I-League season.
Announcing the historic signing on Wednesday, EB said in a statement that Acosta would join the team next week. "We have struck the deal with Zamora and he should be here by next week," East Bengal's managing director Kalyan Majumdar told Sportstar on Wednesday.
Even though the club kept mum on the signing amount, it was rumoured that Acosta had been hired for Rs 1.36 crore.
On joining EB, Acosta said, “East Bengal FC is one of the biggest clubs of India with a very rich heritage. I want to deliver my best for my new club and be a part of Indian football. My motto is to help other Indian footballers and guide them properly. I also want to win the trophy for East Bengal.”
The 35-year-old plays for Colombian football team Rionegro Águilas and it is believed that the World Cupper may join the side ahead of the Calcutta Football League.
Having featured in all the three group games for Costa Rica in the ongoing World Cup, Acosta's arrival is certainly one of the major developments in Indian football this season.
It is learnt that EB's new partnership with Quess has played a big role in signing the World Cupper. After years of trophy drought in the I-League, East Bengal will be hoping to start things on a right note.
Acosta made his international debut in a friendly against Argentina in 2011. He also represented his country in the Concaf Gold Cup, Copa America and the 2014 World Cup. The 34-year-old has played 71 matches and scored two goals for his nation.
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