Renowned Sports Journalist Marcus Mergulhao reports that Spanish midfield maestro Edu Bedia is poised to make his seventh consecutive season appearance in India, this time joining I-League team Gokulam Kerala FC.
The Malabarians, with aspirations of earning promotion to the ISL in the upcoming season, have enlisted the talents of the ex-FC Goa midfielder through a one-year agreement, as reported by TOI Reporter, Marcus Mergulhao. Bedia’s presence within the Kerala-based team will contribute valuable experience and leadership qualities to the roster.
Having arrived on Indian soil to join the Gaurs in 2017 after departing Real Zaragoza, the 34-year-old went on to amass 122 appearances across various competitions, achieving 16 goals and 16 assists. Following his departure at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season, there has been significant speculation surrounding the next venture for this seasoned midfielder.
Edu Bedia set to join Gokulam Kerala.#IndianFootball #I-League #Transfers
— Marcus Mergulhao (@MarcusMergulhao) August 12, 2023
In a recent departure message, Bedia expressed his gratitude to the Goan club, stating:
“I extend my heartfelt appreciation for the years during which I experienced immense joy, both on and off the field. This has been the period where I’ve encountered the most gratifying instances of my career, perhaps even my life. My sincere thanks extend to all those who contributed to making this journey a reality – my fellow teammates, coaches, staff members, and all those dedicated to the Club. I’ve forged connections here that will remain with me throughout my lifetime.”
He added “I hold onto the warmth that the Goans consistently bestowed upon me, during the moments of triumph and notably during the challenging times.”
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Gokulam Kerala FC is in the Process of Assembling a Strong and Competitive Team for the Upcoming Season
Gokulam Kerala FC clinched the I-League title in back-to-back seasons – in 2020-21 and 2021-22. Unfortunately, the team fell short of their aspirations last season during the promotion race. However, the Kerala-based club is now presented with another opportunity to achieve greatness.
The club has taken significant steps by securing the services of Nil Perdomo and Alejandro Sanchez, both hailing from Spain, to provide an extra boost. Moreover, the inclusion of Edu Bedia ensures that Gokulam emerges as the clear favorite in the second division.
The Gokulam Kerala FC Journey – Triumph, Resilience, and Unbridled Passion
Discover the captivating journey of Gokulam Kerala FC, a dynamic Indian football club nestled in the heart of Kozhikode, Kerala. Established in 2017, this vibrant team takes center stage in the thrilling realm of the I-League, India’s illustrious second-tier football league. They carved their name into history by seizing the coveted 2020-21 I-League title, etching their mark as the first-ever Kerala club to achieve this remarkable feat. Not content with just one triumph, Gokulam Kerala FC went on to make an unprecedented statement, boldly defending their league championship in the exhilarating 2021-22 season.
Earning the moniker “Malabarians,” Gokulam Kerala FC stands as a proud representative of the spirited state of Kerala, with a particular focus on its vibrant Malabar region. Affiliated with the esteemed Kerala Football Association (KFA), this powerhouse of a club unleashes its reserve team into the fierce arena of the Kerala Premier League, showcasing their prowess with title victories in the 2017-18 and 2020-21 seasons. Not stopping there, Gokulam Kerala FC’s influence transcends genders, as their women’s division passionately competes in the Indian Women’s League, asserting their dominance on the pitch.
Embarking on their journey in 2017, Gokulam Kerala FC quickly made waves, emerging as a beacon of football prowess. The resounding decision by the bid evaluation committee awarded the Sree Gokulam Group the opportunity to propel their team onto the Hero I-League stage from the vibrant city of Calicut, Kerala. Despite a modest start, the club swiftly defied expectations, clinching triumphant victories against formidable opponents like East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Minerva Punjab, marking a remarkable turnaround by season’s end. The infusion of Spanish expertise came in the form of head coach Fernando Santiago Varela, adding a touch of European finesse to their tactics in March 2018.
Marching onward, Gokulam Kerala FC’s journey led them to the electrifying arena of the Super Cup qualifiers, where they showcased their mettle against North East United FC, securing a triumphant passage with a decisive 2-goal victory. The pulse-pounding pre-quarterfinals of the Super Cup against Bengaluru FC had fans on the edge of their seats, witnessing a gripping clash that saw Gokulam Kerala FC take the lead with a sensational goal by striker Henry Kisekka. However, a late surge by Bengaluru FC resulted in a heart-wrenching defeat of 2-1, showcasing the fierce battles that define their relentless pursuit of glory.
Undeterred by geographical boundaries, Gokulam Kerala FC embarked on an international odyssey, gracing the 2019 Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup in Bangladesh. They made a resounding impact, advancing to the semifinals after a commanding performance in Group B. Their journey culminated in a gripping semifinal clash against Chittagong Abahani, where they displayed unwavering determination but fell short with a close 3-2 defeat. Yet, this pursuit of excellence bore fruit on home soil, as Gokulam Kerala FC secured their maiden Durand Cup title under the astute guidance of Fernando Santiago Varela. With hearts ablaze and determination unyielding, they triumphed over Mohun Bagan AC, etching their victory in the annals of history with a resounding 2-1 triumph in the heart of Kolkata.
The present home turf for Gokulam Kerala is the Malappuram District Sports Complex Stadium, formerly hosting the club’s fixtures during the Kerala Premier League matches.
The saga of Gokulam Kerala FC is one of triumph, resilience, and unbridled passion. As they continue to script their legacy, the club’s indomitable spirit, coupled with their unwavering dedication, positions them as a force to be reckoned with in the exhilarating world of Indian football.
