Mumbai: Didier Zokora, the Ivorian professional footballer, was on his country’s national team for almost 15 years since 2000 and has become the team’s most capped player, is now announced as the marquee for Indian club North East United FC in the Indian Super League for the third season.
The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, Didier Zokora is the winner of Football League Cup and Copa Del Rey. Zokora played for FC Pune City in the 2015 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) where he captained the team to a seventh place finish. The 35-year old midfielder is the tenth international hiring by NEUFC.
John Abraham, Owner of NEUFC, at the appointment said, “It is exciting to have Didier Zokora join the club. With his on-field experience and a previous exposure to ISL will definitely prove to be an asset for the NorthEast United. I am looking forward to our team’s performance in the upcoming championship.”
Further adding, Ardeshir Jeejeebhoy, Director of Football for NEUFC said, “Didier Zokora brings with himself international expertise. He would have a lot to teach to the young boys we have in the club, with his maturity and experience coming in handy during the critical points of the upcoming matches.”
“Currently, we are focused at creating a strong midfield for the club and Didier Zokora’s presence adds to the already formidable midfield”, Nelo Vingada, Head Coach, NEUFC, expressed his delight.
Zokora further put the speculations to rest and said, “I am really excited to be here and looking forward to working with Nelo and the team.Coming back to the ISL for a second season I am hoping that with my experience I can make important contributions to the team.”
After Sergio Farias’ departure from the club, Nelo Vingada’s intends to create a strong midfield, with Zokora being the ray of sunshine and pushing NEUFC to the playoffs, along with Katsumi Yusa and Wellington Priori.