Internet Desk: NorthEast United ended speculation regarding their marquee player signing as they signed former FC Pune City midfielder Didier Zokora as their marquee along with striker Emiliano Alfaro for the ISL season 3.
A former Copa Del Rey winner with Sevilla, Zokora played for FC Pune City in the 2015 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) where he captained the team to a seventh place finish.
The holding midfielder will now make a move to Guwahati where he is the tenth foreign signing sanctioned by a new-look NorthEast United this season. He played 13 matches for the Pune outfit last season.
Zokora joins fellow ex-Sevilla teammate and compatriot Koffi Christian N’dri a.k.a Romaric who will compete for the same spot in the team. NorthEast United also have the luxury of India international Rowllin Borges in a similar role.
The 35-year-old holding midfielder, who holds the record for the most international caps for Côte d’Ivoire, has not played professional football since the end of the ISL last season. Zokora will be hoping for a revival of fortunes with his new team in the ISL. NorthEast United, like his previous employers FC Pune City, have never qualified for the playoffs.
After Sergio Farias’ departure from the club, Nelo Vingada’s intent has been made very clear as he is looking to create a strong midfield with the likes of Katsumi Yusa and Wellington Priori already present.
Meanwhile, FC Goa have retained the services of Brazilian and French defender duo of Luciano Sabrosa and Gregory Arnolin for ISL3. Gregory will donning the FC Goa for consecutive third season while Luciano will be donning for the second consecutive season.