From Russia World Cup to Kolkata, East Bengal rope in Costa Rican defender Johnny Acosta

Costa Rican defender Johnny Acosta who featured in the national side earlier in the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia was roped in by Kolkata giants Quess East Bengal Football Club for the upcoming season. The news has already created a huge buzz on social media and is definitely one of the biggest signings for an Indian club in recent times. The footballer was currently playing for Colombian club Rionegro Aguilas. East Bengal joined hands with multinational QUESS Corporation a few days ago as their title sponsor and investor and the partnership seems to have worked from the word go. The Red and Gold brigade has been denied an I-League title for the past 14 years, but this just might be their year! The centre-back made his International debut for the Central American country against Argentina during a friendly match back in March 2011. Since then, he went on to win 70 more caps in national colours including appearances in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in which Costa Rica reached the quarter-finals and also played in the 2018 edition. Acosta has been successful with Costa Rican club Liga Deportiva Alajuelense winning three league title with the outfits. East Bengal has reportedly paid an amount of 13.6 million INR which is equivalent to 1.36 crores to seal the deal. This is going to be a huge boost ahead of the season, although itis still not sure he will be available for the upcoming Calcutta Football League. It is deemed that with big sponsors lining up, East Bengal would bid to play in the cash-rich Indian Super League but that possibility has been kept aside for the moment. The historic club will have their eyes on the I-League for the time being. Having such an experienced player in their squad will definitely help them a lot in the upcoming season and make the backline a lot more compact, unlike the previous season.