Alvaro Vazquez faces signing restrictions with Indian clubs until June 1, 2024, under the terms of his termination agreement with FC Goa. Any potential move before the specified date would require compensation to be paid to FC Goa, a stipulation that currently seems unlikely to find agreement among clubs.
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Farewell to Alvaro Vazquez: A Disappointing Chapter for FC Goa
FC Goa bid farewell to forward Alvaro Vazquez, officially announcing the departure via their social media channels on Saturday, August 19th. The Spanish striker had inked a two-year deal with the Indian Super League (ISL) team in the previous season after leaving Kerala Blasters FC.
Vazquez had left an indelible mark during his inaugural season in Indian football with Kerala Blasters, contributing significantly to the team’s journey to the ISL final in the 2021-22 season. With high expectations surrounding his move to FC Goa, fans were eager to see him shine in the orange jersey.
However, the seasoned forward struggled to replicate his previous form at his new club. Despite making 18 appearances for the Gaurs in the last season, the 32-year-old managed only one goal and three assists. FC Goa faced another challenging season in the league, and now, with his departure, the club and fans are left reflecting on a chapter that didn’t unfold as anticipated.
Vazquez’s Rollercoaster Journey: From Kerala Blasters to FC Goa and Back to Spain
During his tenure with Kerala Blasters, the 31-year-old Alvaro Vazquez forged a remarkable partnership with Jorge Pereyra Diaz, who has since joined Mumbai City FC. Under the guidance of coach Ivan Vukomanovic, Vazquez showcased his prowess by scoring eight goals.
However, the transition to FC Goa saw a downturn in his performance as he struggled to replicate his earlier form. Falling down the pecking order under coach Carlos Pena, Vazquez made only seven starts in the league, managing a solitary goal and providing three assists.
Following a disappointing season, FC Goa underwent a significant revamp, with Manolo Marquez taking over as the head coach. Despite these changes, Vazquez has been deemed surplus to requirements, while the team has brought in 36-year-old Carlos Martinez to strengthen the attacking lineup.
Amidst uncertainty about Vazquez’s future, there were reports suggesting a potential return to Spain, where he spent the majority of his career before moving to India. Notably, Spanish 3rd Tier Team SD Ponferradina secured the signing of Álvaro Vázquez, but an agreement has been reached to terminate the contract, effective from January 1, coinciding with the opening of the winter transfer market.
Contrary to recent speculations, the transfer of Alvaro Vazquez to Kerala Blasters is not confirmed. Kerala Blasters FC has not finalized a replacement for Adrian Luna, and discussions are currently underway.
Adrian Luna’s Injury Blow: Kerala Blasters FC Strives for Success Without Star Midfielder
Kerala Blasters FC faced a setback as they announced that attacking midfielder Adrian Luna has undergone a minor knee surgery due to an injury, sidelining him for an undisclosed period as he embarks on the road to recovery.
The news comes at a crucial juncture for Ivan Vukomanovic’s team, currently in contention for the ISL League Shield with an impressive 20 points from their first ten games. Luna, the influential Uruguayan playmaker, has played a pivotal role in the Blasters’ strong start to the season, contributing three goals and four assists. Notably, he leads the league with 26 chances created, showcasing his importance to the team.
In an official statement, the club provided an update on Luna’s condition, stating, “Adrian Luna successfully underwent a minor arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of a chondral knee injury. He is currently in the process of rest and recovery towards full fitness.” The medical staff, in collaboration with experts, will closely monitor Luna’s rehabilitation to ensure a smooth and complete recovery.
Expressing support for their beloved player, the club extended well-wishes for Luna’s swift recovery, emphasizing their anticipation to see him back in action leading the team.
Despite the absence of specifics about the injury, Kerala Blasters FC remains hopeful that Luna could return to play later in the season, particularly with the league taking a break in January for the AFC Asian Cup and Kalinga Super Cup.
In Luna’s absence, Kerala Blasters demonstrated their resilience by securing a victory over Punjab FC in New Delhi, propelling them to the second spot in the ISL table. Ivan Vukomanovic faces the challenge of rallying his team to compensate for the absence of their creative spark, recognizing Luna not only for his attacking prowess but also for his significant work rate that adds value to the squad. The Yellow Army remains optimistic about overcoming this hurdle and maintaining their strong performance in the league.
