Veteran Greece footballer and 2014 World Cupper Kostas Katsouranis arrived in Mumbai today to play for FC Pune City in the Indian Super League (ISL), starting on October 12.
A former Benfica defender Katsouranis very recently led the Greek football team in their campaign at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil in the absence of regular skipper Giorgos Karagounis.
Kostas becomes the first player and captain of this year's FIFA World Cup to feature in the ISL.
The defensive midfielder will join the likes of former Juventus star David Trezeguet at FC Pune City before they begin their ISL campaign against Delhi Dynamos in New Delhi on October 13.
Kostas comes with a reputation of being a wall of a defender for his team, and has years of experience playing for top notch clubs like AK-Athens and Benfica.
With him joining the ranks, FC Pune City now becomes a team to watch out for in the inaugural season of ISL.
Katsourinis made his international debut for Greece in 2003 against Sweden and scored his first goal against Kazakhstan in the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Katsouranis was instrumental in Greece's 2004 UEFA Euro win.
"I am happy to represent FC Pune City. This is a new experience and I look forward to add value to the team's targets," Katsouranis said.
About his readiness to take the field, Katsouranis said he has been training with the gymnastics team of Greece and feels fit to start.
"The temperature may be hot and humid in India but I am ready. And anyway football is played from the heart," he said.
Katsouranis is known to be very strong in the air. His natural attacking instinct makes him a valuable footballer as he has the ability to also ghost into the box consistently despite playing in a deep-lying role.
Speaking on Kostas' arrival, Gaurav Modwel, CEO, FC Pune City said, "We would like to extend our heartiest welcome to Kostas. Apart from being a great player, he is an amazing human being - his passion for football, down to earth personality and desire to learn and share sets him apart. His vast experience as a midfielder shall bring great balance to the FC Pune City team.
