Mumbai, Jul 8 (IANS): Kerala Blasters FC have completed their first foreign signing of the season as they secured the services of Australian striker Apostolos Giannou, the club announced on Friday.
The move remains subject to a medical test which will be completed in due course. The 32-year-old who signed a one-year deal with the club arrives from A-League side Macarthur FC.
Giannou has represented Australia at youth-team levels. He has also amassed 12 appearances with the Australian senior national team, recording two goals and four assists. He also made 1 appearance for the Greek national team.
Commenting on the Blaster's first foreign signing of the summer, Karolis Skinkys said, "I'm very happy Apostolos finally joined Kerala Blasters. He was our target for the last two years. He is a hardworking attacker who fits our style of play. I also like him because he is a player who plays for the team. I wish him the best time in Kerala!"
"I'm really excited to be signing for Kerala Blasters. I will put my all for the team to achieve the goals it has for this year." said a happy Giannou upon signing with his new club.
Spanish striker Iker Guarrotxena joins FC Goa
FC Goa have added another Spanish striker to their ranks as Iker Guarrotxena has joined the club on a two-year deal, the club confirmed on Friday.
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 foreign 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 to fcgoa.in after signing on the dotted line.
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.