PANJIM: Sporting Clube de Goa could unleash new Spanish defender Pablo Gallardo as The Flaming Oranje take on Dempo Sports Club in the Charity Cup match, at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, Sunday, at 4 p.m.
After joining the Panjim-outfit from Spanish Segunda B side “Burgos”, the experienced star flew from Spain and is expected to play some part in the game.
The 28-year old has represented the under-17 and under-19 Spanish national team where he played alongside Manchester City’s David Silva.
For Sevilla B, he had played with stars such as Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos and Manchester City’s Jesus Navas.
When he was young, Pablo slide tackled former Arsenal hero Jose Antonio Reyes which earned him his reputation as a tenacious tackler.
Pablo is very happy to be playing for Sporting Clube de Goa and is always eager for new challenges.
“I was watching a television programme, which included images of the beautiful Taj Mahal and I said to my family that India would be a nice place to visit. Two weeks later I got this opportunity,” remarked Pablo.
Pablo has an interesting superstition which he has carried out throughout his career and that is he starts dressing up from the left side, putting on his left sock before the right and left boot before the right.
“Recently we have had Spanish defenders Angel Berlanga and then Gonzalo Hinojal Neila who have performed exceptionally well for the club. I welcome Pablo and believe he can also become a fan favourite,” stated Sporting Clube de Goa President Peter Vaz.
Meanwhile, Australian gaffer Arthur Papas believes that youth are the way forward for Dempo SC and believes they have done exactly that by bringing in several youngsters for the upcoming season.
“I think we maintained 40 percent of the playing group and we brought in many talented younger players who, I think, you’ll see a lot more than you did last season,” Arthur was quoted as saying.
“All the young players have to understand that they must raise the bar and not only be happy to be at Dempo but be willing to push very senior players out of the way if they are going to play.”
