Mumbai, Sep 20 (IANS): NorthEast United FC's marquee player Joan Capdevila arrived here Saturday.

The Spaniard represented his nation on 60 international occasions and took his side to victory in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the 2008 Euro Championship.

The 36-year-old has played over 400 games with 36 goals in La Liga for eminent clubs like Espanyol, Atletico Madrid, Deportivo and Villarreal and is now a vital left back defender for the Indian Super League (ISL) side.

"India is a huge country and it is a privilege for me to be a small part in popularising this global game here and working with the young talented footballers of North East India," Capdevila said.

Coach Ricki Herbert congratulated the franchise for obtaining the services of Capdevila.

"Joan has had an incredible career and has achieved honours at the very peak of the football arena and we all at NorthEast United thoroughly look forward to his appearances as a North East player and to the wealth of experience and knowledge that can be transferred to all other playing members. As head coach, it certainly will be an honour to have him on our team," said Herbert.