East Bengal FC on Saturday announced the signing of Spanish footballers Javier Siverio and Saul Crespo on free transfers for the upcoming season.
Forward Siverio helped Hyderabad FC win its maiden Hero ISL title in his debut season (2021-22) in India. He had scored 12 goals in 45 matches in ISL.
Central midfielder Saul Crespo played a pivotal role in Odisha FC’s maiden Hero ISL playoff qualification and recent Hero Super Cup triumph.
Expressing his excitement at joining the club, Javier Siverio said, “It’s an honour for me to join this century-old club. India is a great country and I am thrilled to continue my journey in the ISL. I really admire the vision of Coach Carles and the investors for taking this club forward. I’ll try to repose the management’s faith by scoring plenty of goals for the Red & Gold brigade. I’ve seen how passionate the East Bengal fans are and I can’t wait to see them fill the Salt Lake Stadium. Joy East Bengal!”
Saul Crespo said, “When I learnt that East Bengal was interested in me, I didn’t hesitate to join them. They are one of the biggest clubs in India with the best fans. I watched the Kolkata Derby last year and was very impressed. I really want to play in this team and help them win as many games as possible.”
East Bengal Head Coach, Carles Cuadrat highlighted the skillsets of these young Spaniards, saying, “Siverio has been a fine goal-getter ever since he arrived in India. He has adapted himself to the rigors of the ISL after two years of playing here. I believe he will help to bolster our attack significantly. Saul, too, knows the competitiveness of the ISL and has played a key part in the midfield, which helped Odisha FC win the Super Cup. Both of them have excellent work-rates and also the right attitude to take the club forward.”
Mr Debabrata Mukherjee of Emami Group said, “We are pleased to have these two young and exciting players from Spain on board. Siverio has demonstrated being a quality finisher in the last two seasons of the ISL and Saul was one of the best midfielders in the league last year. We are confident that they will reach even greater heights under the mentorship of Coach Carles.”
Picture Courtesy: Social Media
