Defending I-League champions Bengaluru FC have announced their first foreign player signing ahead of the new season, which is slated to get under way next calendar year. On Friday, Australian midfielder Cameron Watson put pen to paper on a season-long deal with the Indian football side.
Watson, 29, will be expected to fill the void left by Josh Walker and Michael Collins in the heart of the Bengaluru FC midfield. The successful Indian football club, coached by Spanish coach Albert Roca, have a steep assignment at hand for now -- playing against Tampines Rovers in the AFC Cup 2016 quarterfinal match in September this year.
The former Adelaide United and Newcastle Jets player becomes only the second foreign player now after John Johnson to enter the club roster. The likes of Curtis Osano, Walker, Collins and Kim Song Yong were not retained by the club following the end of their respective contracts.
"I've spoken to a few people and heard good things about the [I]League. I've even had a word with former Bengaluru player Sean Rooney who had a lot of nice things to say about the club and I'm really looking forward to joining the team as soon as possible," said Watson in a statement. "I've been training with a local club here and keeping as fit as possible.
"There's a big AFC Cup game coming up and the sooner I get there, the better," the former FC Porto youth player added.
Bengaluru FC coach Roca is also impressed by the Australian's ability and feels that he will play a key role with the team. "Cameron is a good player in a position that's very important to the team," said Roca. "He has a good background playing in Australia which I think is an impressive league in terms of standard and his presence would help us grow."
