Hyderabad FC Sign Spanish Defender Juan Antonio Gonzalez On One-year Deal

Indian Super League side Hyderabad FC has completed the signing of Spanish defender Juan Antonio Gonzalez on a one-year deal, the club announced on Monday. (More Football News)

The 34-year-old, who is known as 'Juanan', joins Manolo Marquez's side after spending five years with their rivals Bengaluru 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."

Juanan began his senior career with Deportivo La Coruna in Spain, and spent time with the Real Madrid Castilla before moving to Germany in 2011.

He featured in the 2012-13 season of the Bundesliga with Fortuna Düsseldorf and has played in Hungary, USA and Spain before moving to India in 2016.

During his five-year stint in India, Juanan has won the Federation Cup (2017), Super Cup (2018) and the Indian Super League (2018-19), apart from a runner-up finish in the 2016 AFC Cup. He also finished top of the ISL league phase twice (2017-18 and 2018-19).

"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 Marquez.

With 71 ISL appearances and 5 goals, Juanan will add valuable experience to the young squad at Hyderabad FC.

"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," said the Spaniard.

"We have a 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 becomes the third new foreign signing at Hyderabad FC joining Bartholomew Ogbeche and Edu Garcia, while becoming the sixth new arrival following Indian youngsters Aaren D'Silva, Abdul Rabeeh and Aniket Jadhav.