PANAJI
Continuing the trend of signing Spanish players, FC Goa have roped in Carlos Martinez as their new foreign striker for the upcoming 2023-24 season.
The 37-year-old is the seventh new addition to the Gaurs’ squad this summer, following the arrivals of Rowllin Borges, Udanta Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Boris Singh, Raynier Fernandes and Paulo Retre.
"I’ve followed FC Goa for a while now, and I’m aware of their achievements in Indian football. To be one of the most successful teams in the league, while following a style of play that I’m quite familiar with, made it easy to form an association with the club,” said Martinez, who has played for 13 different clubs in a long 18-year career.
Commenting on the signing, Ravi Puskur, FC Goa’s Director of Football, said, "Carlos is a striker who comes with a proven pedigree for goalscoring. He’s a striker who likes to link up with his teammates to fashion chances and connect the play, but his primary skills are his ability to find the back of the net. His aerial prowess will also add another dimension to our attack and his all-round game will make him a very useful asset to the team."
Born in Mataro in the province of Barcelona, Martinez began his professional football journey with Badalona CF, where he showcased his immense talent and rose through the ranks from their U19 side to the B team. He went on to represent several lower-division clubs, leaving an indelible mark with each team he played for. He went on to play for UE Olot and Villarreal CF reserves side in Spain. In 2017, the striker joined J2 League side Tokyo Verdy in the Japanese second-division league. After two seasons abroad, he returned to Spain, joining Hercules CF before shifting base to FC Andorra last year.
