KOLKATA: Quess Corp, the new controlling stakeholder of East Bengal FC, has made its first big move since taking charge at the the Kolkata football giants.
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.
The Bengal outfit thus becomes the first Indian football club to sign on a current World Cup player. Zamora, a 34-year-old defender, has represented his national team in two World Cups, including the 2014 edition in Brazil.
Announcing the historic signing on Wednesday, EB said in a statement that Zamora would join the team next week.
While no financial terms were revealed, Sportstar reports that East Bengal have agreed a signing amount of Rs 13.6 million.
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.
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.
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.
