Villarreal have signed forward Ashique Kuruniyan on a one-year loan deal from Indian Super League side FC Pune City.
The 19-year-old has represented India at both U18 and U19 levels, and is set to feature in the youth side of El Submarino Amarillo.
“It’s a dream come true for me,” he told the Villarreal website.
“For years, we have admired these top clubs and their players from afar but, thanks to FC Pune City and Villarreal, I will get a chance to play at one of the most respected clubs in Spain.”
Villarreal CF President, Fernando Roig was delighted with the signing and believes it can pave a path for more Indians to join European clubs in the future.
“We’re delighted to bring Ashique Kuruniyan here as we believe he is a great talent,” explained Roig.
“I’m sure that he is going to improve as a player here and this is only going to bode well for Indian football in general. We thank FC Pune City for facilitating this move and hope this inspires many more Indian youngsters to be successful in Europe.”
Ashique Kuruniyan’s arrival in Spain follows hot on the heels of another Indian player, Ishan Pandita, who has joined LaLiga’s CD Leganes to play in their youth academy.
Image via @LaLiga
