Bengaluru FC have signed Spanish winger Antonio Dovale on a one-year deal ahead of this year’s Indian Super League.
The 27-year-old joins Bengaluru from Spanish Segunda Division side Rayo Vallecano with whom he spent the 2016-17 season. Dovale is now the third Spaniard in the Bengaluru side for the upcoming season.
Born in A CoruAa in Northern Spain, Toni spent his formative years at Obradoiro andAFC Barcelona; before joining Celta de Vigo in 2005 as a youth player. Two years later he was promoted to the reserve side; before making his first team debut in the Segunda Division in 2009.
A brief loan spell at fellow Segunda Division side SD Huesca in 2010-11 was followed by a return to Celta; where he made 30 appearances helping the side achieve promotion to theALa LigaAat the end of the 2011-12 season. Over the next two years, Toni played an important role for Celta in the top-flight with the highlight being an impressive 9th place finish in the 2013-14 season.
Toni crossed the Atlantic in the year 2014 as he signed for Sporting Kansas City in the Major League Soccer (USA); where he helped the team reach the post-season playoffs. He returned back to Spain with CD Lugo in 2014-15; before once again achieving promotion to the La Liga in the following season while playing for CD Leganes.
Toni Dovale’s New Destination
Having penned a one-year deal, Dovale was eager to begin his journey atABengaluru FCAas soon as possible. a?I am very excited about this new challenge in my career. I know I am coming to a big club and just canat wait to start training to achieve our objectives this season. I’ve had a good experience as a professional player, and I think that this is a step forward in my career which will be very important,a? he said.
He’s ready to set the flanks on fire. ?Y?Bengaluru, @ToniDovale9 is a Blue! ?Y#HolaToni #NuevaAzul pic.twitter.com/U35IUG5lwJ
a Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) 17 July 2017
Toni Dovale was also excited with the prospect of playing in front of the Bluesa faithful; which he regards as a vital part of the club. a?The fans are very important for us and I know that they are always supporting the club. I want to assure them that I will do my best to help the club achieve our goals for the season. I am feeling the good vibes and hope that this season is a successful one,a? he added.
Albert Roca, Bengaluru FC Head Coach, welcomed Toni into the Bluesa fold. a?Antonio is a good young player and a crafty winger. Having played at the highest level in Spain, he brings in vital experience which will help us in the season ahead. He still wants to continue improving and his desire to learn will help him settle in quickly,a? said Roca.
