Shillong, Sep 3 (IANS): NorthEast United Football Club Wednesday announced the signing of Portuguese defender Miguel Garcia, Zambian midfielder Kondwani Mtonga and Greek goalkeeper Alexandros Tzvoras for the inaugural edition of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) that will be played Oct 12-Dec 20.
Garcia is a product of youth academy of Sporting Clube De Portugal. He made his debut in the 2003-04 season for the senior team and has also played in the UEFA Cup and appeared in the finals for Sporting in 2005 with a final appearance in 2011 for Sporting Club de Braga.
The 31-year-old stopper back has also played for Italian Serie A side Reginna during the 2007-2008 season. After his one-year stint with the Italian club he inked a new deal with Portuguese Club, Sporting Clube Olhanense in 2009 for six months. His last stint was with Spanish football club RCD Mallorca in the 2013-14 season.
"I am very happy to be a part of this club. I have been in Shillong for a week now and everyone here is very friendly. All the boys are working really hard on their fitness and skill during training sessions. Playing for NorthEast United is a big challenge for me as I need to adapt to how football is played here and I am looking forward to a good season with this club," said Garcia.
The addition of Zambian international Mtonga will also bolster the squad. The 30-year-old is a versatile player as he can play both as a centre back or as a defensive midfielder and has played for Zamtel Ndola in 2007. He has had a successful long career with Zesco United since 2008.
"I am very happy to be here; meeting all my team mates and club officials. I am very excited to be part of the Hero Indian Super league and I am looking forward to play in front of the North East United FC fans. I will do my best to help the team win," he said
Tzorvas is former trainee of the Panathinaikos Football Academy. He then went on to play for various football clubs in Greece from 2001 to 2011. He has also turned out for Italian clubs, Palermo and Genoa in 2011-12 season and 2012-13 season respectively.