Kolkata: Newest members of the ISL, Bengaluru FC has secured the services of Spanish winger Antonio Rodriguez Dovale for the upcoming edition of the cash-rich football tournament. Rodriguez becomes the third Spanish player to join Bengaluru after Juanan Gonzalez and Dimas Delgado.
Born in Northern Spain, Toni’s early years in football were spent with Obradoiro and FC Barcelona before he was roped in but Celta Vigo in 2005 as a youth player. He was then promoted to the reserve side two years later when he made his first team debut in the Segunda Division in 2009.
After playing for SD Huesca in 2010-11 in the Secunda Division, he returned back to Celta Vigo where he made a total of 30 appearances for the team helping them in their promotion to the La Liga towards the end of the 2011-2012 season.
He then went on to become one of the crucial figures in Celta Vigo in the course of the next two years where he helped them achieve a staggering ninth place finish in the 2013-14 season.
In 2014, he signed for Sporting Kansas City in Major League Soccer and helped them reach the post-season playoffs. He then returned to Spain in the 2014-15 season where he played for CD Lugo and in the following season, he helped in the promotion of CD Leganes to the La Liga.
He has been signed by Bengaluru FC for a one-year deal and Toni is eager to represent the ‘big club’. He said, “I am very excited about this new challenge in my career. I know I am coming to a big club and just can’t wait to start training to achieve our objectives this season. I have a good experience as a professional player, and I think that this is a step forward in my career which will be very important.”
He also regarded the fans as being very important and was excited to represent the team in front of them. “The fans are very important for us and I know that they are always supporting the club. I want to assure them that I will do my best to help the club achieve our goals for the season. I am feeling the good vibes and hope that this season will be a successful one,” he added.
Alberto Roca, the head coach of the Blues’ welcomed Toni to the team and praising his abilities, he said that the Spanish would bring a lot of experience with him which would be vital for the team’s chances in the upcoming season.
He said, “Antonio is a good young player and a crafty winger. Having played at the highest level in Spain, he brings in vital experience which will help us in the season ahead. He still wants to continue improving and his desire to learn will help him settle in quickly.”