Atlético de Kolkata reinforce the squad with Spanish centre forward Juan Belencoso
The champions of inaugural edition and the semi-finalist of the second season of Indian Super League, Atlético de Kolkata, announced today the signing of Spanish centre forward Juan Belencoso and added more fervor in their strong international line-up of players.
Known for his hard working nature and skills, Belencoso is a fan favourite with his clinical finishes and played for Kitchee FC in Hong Kong.
Belencoso also played for sides like Albacete Balompié, UB Conquense, CD Lugo and Cádiz CF. From 2002 to 2008, following a brief spell in Portugal, Juan Belencoso competed mainly in Segunda División B, representing in that level for Real Jaén, Mérida UD, CE L'Hospitalet and CD Baza.
After the announcement of signing dynamic Indian players and retaining seven international recruits including marquee players for this season, now the addition of Belencoso will add to the composition and strength of the team.
“On behalf of the team management we welcome Belencoso to Atlético de Kolkata which will help us in further developing the nucleus of the team this year. My association with his style of football goes back to the Kitchee FC days in Hong Kong.
He had been one of the most consistent performers and had been nominated as AFC Foreign Player of the Year. With Postiga and now Belencoso I feel the need for the right strikers has been precisely addressed.”
About Juan Belencoso
Belencoso started playing as a senior with amateurs Deportivo Rayo Cantabria. He mainly played in the Segunda División B, with clubs like level Real Jaén, Mérida UD, CE L'Hospitalet and CD Baza.
Belencoso signed for Kitchee SC in Hong Kong and became coach Àlex Gómez's first foreign signing.
He became a regular scorer for Kitchee and fired them to the domestic treble last season including two goals in the FA Cup final against Eastern. In terms of continental football, in the AFC Cup 2014, his eleven goals helped propel Kitchee to the semi-final stage where they eventually lost.
Belencoso models his style of football on Robert Lewandowski.