ISL 2022:23: Javi Hernandez joins Bengaluru FC on two-year contract

Bengaluru FC has decided to sign the services of midfielder Javi Hernandez ahead of the ninth season of the Hero Indian Super League 2022-23, the club announced on their social media accounts on Wednesday. Hernandez has signed a two-year contract with the Blues and thus he will stay at the club until the end of the 2024 season.

Hernandez had an impressive run in the previous season of the Hero ISL while playing for Odisha FC. He had scored six goals for the club and had also provided five assists in ISL 2021-22 edition.

Thus, he played an instrumental role in the success of Odisha FC but the team could not make it to the semifinal stages.

The 33-year-old is delighted to join Bengaluru FC ahead of the new season of the Hero ISL.

He said after putting pen to paper, “I am delighted to join Bengaluru FC. I wanted to stay in the Indian Super League, and for me, Bengaluru FC is one of the best places to be. I’m looking forward to the new season, meeting my new teammates and staff, and helping the team achieve its objectives.”

The Spaniard impressed with his skills while playing for ​​UD Salamanca before joining the Real Madrid Castilla. Furthermore, he has played for clubs in countries like Romania, Poland, and Azerbaijan.

“I am aware that over the last two seasons, the club has not been able to reach the levels it aims to. I am motivated to give my best in every training session and every match, to help this team achieve its targets and that is to be among the best in the country. I believe this club and its fans deserve that,” added the Spanish midfielder.

On the other hand, the Spanish player also played for ATK Mohun Bagan in Hero ISL 2020-21 season and made a total of 17 appearances for the Mariners as the club reached the final of that edition.

Parth Jindal, Bengaluru FC club director, welcomed Hernandez to the club.

“Javi is a player who we have seen over the last few years and is someone whose statistics speak for themselves. Creativity and keeping the ball are his strengths, add to that his experience, and I have no doubt he will be a role model both on and off the field. I am particularly excited to see him link up with the young talent we have in the squad and help them and the team grow,” said Bengaluru FC club director, Parth Jindal.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC finished in sixth place with eight wins in 20 matches with a tally of 29 points in the previous season and thus could not qualify for the semifinal stages.