East Bengal sign Costa Rican World Cupper Johnny Acosta

Spurred by their recent collaboration with the Bengaluru based Quess company, East Bengal leaped straight into Russia, singing Costa Rican international Johnny Acosta Zamora for the upcoming season.

The centre-back who is a regular starter for Costa Rica and played all three of their group stage matches at the 2018 World Cup, will join the Red and Golds in August.

“East Bengal FC is one of the greatest clubs in India. I convey my best to my new club. My aim is to encourage the other Indian footballers and guide them and at the same time win silverware for Quess East Bengal FC,” said Acosta after signing an one-year contract.

The 34-year-old is a no-nonsesne defender and was involved in eight clearances and recovered the ball 11 times during the World Cup matches.

Acosta has also represented Costa Rica in the 2014 World Cup and was instrumental in ‘Los Ticos‘ wonderful run to the quarter-finals, where they lost 3-4 to Netherlands in the penalty-shootouts.

He made his professional debut for Santos de Guápiles in the 2004/05 season but left them six years later for Alajuelense, with whom he won three league titles. Acosta last played for Colombian club Rionegro Águilas before joining East Bengal.

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The 71-time international capped defender made his national debut against Argentina in 2011. He has scored two goals and while the first came against United States in 2013, the second was three years later against Jamica. Both the goals were scored during the World Cup qualifiers.

His experience of playing at the highest level will certainly help the young defenders in the club and new head coach Bastob Roy now has a captain in defence.