Indian Super League outfit Hyderabad FC announced the signing of Spanish defender Juanan Gonzalez.  The former Bengaluru FC defender joins the Nizams on a one year deal. He will be the leader in defence for Manolo Marquez’s men.

“I am delighted to have signed for Hyderabad FC. I saw how the team put on a strong show last season in the ISL. I spoke to Manolo and other players about the team, and I think we have a strong side this season to get to the play-offs,” said Juanan after completing formalities.

“Manolo is very good, as a coach and as a person. Everyone has seen the work he has put in with the team last season. His idea is very clear, and he wants his team to play with the ball in every situation. The team has always put up a fight at all times and everyone could see that,” he added.

Juanan has spent his last five seasons at Bengaluru FC and was a pivotal part of the team’s success in that time period. The Spaniard started his professional career at Deportivo La Coruna and has played for teams like Real Castilla, Rayo Vallecano, Leganes and had stints in Hungary, USA and then came to India.

In his five years at Bengaluru FC Juanana managed to win the I-League twice, Federation Cup, Super Cup, Indian Super League and finished as runners at the 2016 AFC Cup.

Juanan will look to fill the gap left by his compatriot Odei Onaindia. The 34-year-old will look to guide the young players at Hyderabad and hope that he can guide the Nizams at least to the playoffs.

“Juanan’s experience is very important because we have very good young defenders in our team, and he can help them. Not too many players have played in India consistently over five seasons,” said the HFC Head Coach.

Juanan is one of the most experienced foreign players in Indian football, as he has already made 71 ISL appearances. “Of course, I have spent a lot of time playing in India, and I hope I can help the younger players in the squad. As a defender, I like to always communicate with my teammates from the back. We have the right balance of youth and experience in our squad and I believe that not just me, but the other senior overseas and Indian players will help the youngsters develop and become a stronger unit,” Juanan added.

Juanan becomes the third foreign signing for the Nizams  after they snapped up Bartholomew Ogbeche and Edu Garcia for the upcoming season.