ISL: Hyderabad FC sign Spaniard Lluis Sastre

Hyderabad FC have confirmed the signing of Spanish midfielder Lluis Sastre as they continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Super League.

The 34-year-old former La Liga medio joins from Cypriot side AEK Larnaca and has penned a one-year deal till the end of the 2020-21 season.

“I am very happy and excited to be able to play for Hyderabad FC in this season of the ISL. I have heard a lot of good things and I am already looking forward to starting training and meeting my teammates and the coach and working towards our goals,” said Sastre, who becomes the third new foreign signing for the season after Joao Victor and Joel Chianese.

Hyderabad FC Head Coach Manolo Marquez has followed Sastre’s career closely, and is confident about the qualities he will bring into the squad.

“He’s a central midfielder with a lot of quality, and likes to arrive in the rival box too. Technically, he is a fantastic player and has played for FC Barcelona’s B team. He has always been an important player in all the teams that he has played for. We expect not just good football from Lluis, but experience and leadership will also be some of the things that he will bring to HFC,” said Marquez.

A product of the famed La Masia academy, Sastre featured for FC Barcelona’s youth teams including a two-year stint with FC Barcelona B (2005-07)