(Football news) Odisha FC have announced the signing of Spanish attacking midfielder Javi Hernandez ahead of their eighth season in the Indian Super League. Having spent his youth career at CDF Pizarrales, Salamanca and Real Madrid, Javi Hernandez made his senior debut for Real Madrid B and has also played for Romanian professional club ACS Poli Timișoara.

He signed for ATK Mohun Bagan in 2019 and has won the Indian Super League title with the team, playing 37 matches and scoring two goals in the final of the 2019-2020 season against Chennaiyin FC. He has also featured for the Spanish U-19 team.

In a press release by Odisha FC, OFC Head Coach Kiko Ramirez commented, “Javi is a great addition to the squad, he is going to give us work in the midfield, and balance to the team. The most important thing is that even playing in midfield, he is a player who can score goals due to his physical capabilities and his good technique. He is a good player to play different styles of football, and he has a very good shot. From set-pieces, he is a great kicker, both for direct scoring and for strategy plays. He is loved in the teams where he has been for his work ethic, for his enthusiasm, and for his character.”

After joining Odisha FC, Javi expressed, "I am really excited to join Odisha FC and very happy to continue playing in India. I am looking forward to meeting my teammates and we will definitely work hard and play well to make sure that we have a wonderful season ahead. I want to make the Odisha FC fans proud." 

Speaking about the new signing, OFC Club President Mr. Raj Athwal said, "We are delighted to welcome Javi Hernandez to the Odisha family. In Javi, we have added another highly-rated player, who has experience of winning the ISL, to our squad."

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