ISL: Greece's 2014 World Cupper Kostas Katsouranis Joins FC Pune City
Former Benfica player Kostas Katsouranis recently spearheaded the Greek defence at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. With this move, Kostas also becomes the first player to feature in the Indian Super League who has participated in this year's World Cup.
In another high-profile signing, Greece's 2014 World Cupper Kostas Katsouranis has decided to join the FC Pune City franchise for the inaugural edition of the Indian Super League starting October 12.
The former Benfica player recently spearheaded the Greek defence at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. With this move Kostas also becomes the first player to feature in the ISL who has participated in this year's World Cup.
Kostas will join the likes of former Juventus star David Trezeguet at FC Pune City.
Katsouranis said, "It is not an impulsive decision for me, I had been in touch with the Pune City Club for over a month. What really attracted me to join them was their desire to win and promote football in India."
Head coach Franco Colomba has added the playmaker to his squad to further strengthen the team's line-up.
"Our team needed a strong playmaker who could play box to box. It was one position which we wanted to fill and now with the inclusion of Kostas in the team, we are surely a more balanced unit," said Colomba.
Kostas comes with a reputation of being a rock solid defender for his team, and has years of experience playing for top notch clubs like AK-Athens and Benfica. With him joining the ranks, FC Pune City is now definitely a force to reckon with.
Katsourinis made his international debut for Greece in 2003 against Sweden and scored his first goal against Kazakhstan in a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Katsouranis was instrumental in Greece's 2004 UEFA Euro win.
Speaking on the latest development, Gaurav Modwel, CEO, FC Pune City said, "We are delighted to have Kostas in our ranks and I would like to extend my heartiest welcome to him. He has been a phenomenal performer for his country and previous clubs; and we at FC Pune City are confident that his inclusion will be a game-changer for us in the Indian Super league."
FC Pune City also got a boost recently after three of their young guns have been called for national duty for a one-off friendly against Palestine.
Midfielder Lenny Rodrigues and striker Pritam Kotal have been called to be a part of the national side whereas Arindam Bhattacharya will be the reserve goalkeeper behind Subrata Pal.